Halo vest effect on balance

Objective: To determine the effect of a halo vest, a cervical orthosis, on clinically relevant balance parameters. Design: Subjects performed unipedal stance (with eyes open and closed, on b oth firm and soft surfaces) and functional reach, with and without the appl ication of a halo vest. Subjects: A convenience sample of 12 healthy young subjects, with an equal number of men and women. Outcome Measures: Seconds for unipedal stance (maximum 45); inches for func tional reach. Results: Both unipedal stance times and functional reach (mean +/- standard deviation) were significantly decreased with the halo vest as compared to without it (29.1 +/- 5.8 vs 32.8 +/- 6.4 seconds, p = .002; 12.9 +/- 1.4 vs 15.1 +/- 2.1 inches, p < .01). Conclusion: A halo vest causes an acute impairment in balance in the health y young. It is likely that the impairment would be greater in older or inju red patients, thus increasing their risk for a fall, which could have devas tating consequences.