Using inertial sensors to assess ACROM (active cervical range of motion) is the most widely used and practical approach. A recent study exploited the potential of our Moover One to analyse the application of elastic taping on the neck, evaluating its immediate and short-term impact on pain and mobility of the cervical spine.

The aim of the study, conducted by a team of high-level scholars (Luca Russo, Tommaso Panessa, Paolo Bartolucci, Andrea Raggi, Gian Mario Migliaccio, Alin Larion, Johnny Padulo) was to measure the effects on the active cervical tri-planar range of motion (ACROM) and self-perceived pain of elastic taping (ET) application in the cervical area, and was carried out on a sample of thirty participants (men and women) in the first study group and twenty participants in the control group, all of whom had obvious neck (and cervical) pain. We leave the technical data to the full reading of the article, which you can find on our pages. The study, using Sensor Medica (Moover One) technology, was able to establish that bilateral and symmetrical application of cervical ET is helpful in improving multiplanar ACROM and reducing subjective self-perceived neck pain when necessary. Based on the evidence, the use of ET on the neck is recommended to manage neck movement limitations and pain in adult individuals.

The importance of the cervical spine
The cervical spine plays a crucial role in facilitating multiplanar movements of the head in space. The movement of the cervical spine and head complex can be classified into right-left rotation, right-left lateral tilt, flexion and extension (forward and backward movement of the head). Based on this peculiarity, it is evident how important it is to preserve (or, if necessary, restore) the physiological active range of motion (ACROM) of the cervical spine.

What are the causes that can limit this mobility? Undoubtedly traumatic injuries, but also continuous and repetitive movements (very often due to work demands) or prolonged and not always correct postures. The musculoskeletal system is greatly affected by any reduction in ACROM and this can easily affect the eyes, other spinal segments and much more. A comprehensive mobility assessment combined with recovery strategies is now a necessity that should not be avoided superficially.

As we said at the beginning, the best analysis is the one that is carried out using inertia sensors. Without Moover One, the study in question would not have guaranteed the same results, in terms of accuracy and speed. Once again, for the specific details of the study (instrumentation, data collection, analysis), we invite you to read the full article we also published in our scientific handouts.

Conclusions of the study on ACROM and the use of elastic taping
The results of this long and complex study clearly show the effectiveness of wearing bilateral and symmetrical ET cervical taping for three days. The use is strongly recommended to improve multiplanar ACROM and reduce neck pain (especially in those workers who spend many hours behind a computer). In essence, the application of ET is a safe and cost-effective procedure to manage neck pain and improve movement of the cervical spine. These results have already been proven in practice to alleviate certain neck and neck area pain.