Instrumented Pre-Hospital Care Simulation Mannequin for Use in Spinal Motion Restrictions Scenarios: Validation of Cervical and Lumbar Motion Assessment

Abstract

Background: A mid-fidelity simulation mannequin, equipped with an instrumented cervical and lumbar spine, was developed to investigate best practices and train healthcare professionals in applying spinal motion restrictions (SMRs) during the early mobilization and transfer of accident victims with suspected spine injury. The study objectives are to (1) examine accuracy of the cervical and lumbar motions measured with the mannequin; and (2) confirm that the speed of motion has no bearing on this accuracy. Methods: Accuracy was evaluated by concurrently comparing the orientation data obtained with the mannequin with that from an optoelectronic system. The mannequin’s head and pelvis were moved in all anatomical planes of motion at different speeds. Results: Accuracy, assessed by root-mean-square error, varied between 0.7° and 1.5° in all anatomical planes of motion. Bland–Altman analysis revealed a bias ranging from −0.7° to 0.6°, with the absolute limit of agreement remaining below 3.5°. The minimal detectable change varied between 1.3° and 2.6°. Motion speed demonstrated no impact on accuracy. Conclusions: The results of this validation study confirm the mannequin’s potential to provide accurate measurements of cervical and lumbar motion during simulation scenarios for training and research on the application of SMR.