The authors of "Are scoop stretchers suitable for use on spine-injured patients?" are to be applauded for their innovative study and basic study design [1]. That said, the description of the methodology omitted an important detail regarding whether a specific variation of the log-roll maneuver was used in the control group, and if the log roll was standardized, which technique was used. This is not a trivial point because a prior study showed that spinal mobility varies between different log-roll techniques, as defined by the positioning of the patient's arms [2]. Although not stressed in the provider manual, based on these differences, the Advanced Trauma Life Support program started recommending the "arms at side" technique in the Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor Manual nearly 20 years ago [3]. Unfortunately, the relative lack of emphasis in provider publications has precluded effective standardization to the "arms at side" log roll, leading to log roll policies that are widely divergent or nonexistent.
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