Head Supports in Rehabilitation and Care: A Technology and Clinical Applications Review

Resumen

Head support plays a central role in rehabilitation and long-term care, contributing to mobility, communication, feeding, respiration, and safety for people with neuromuscular, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. This scoping review analyzed head support technologies and their clinical applications, including wheelchair-mounted static and dynamic headrests, cervical orthoses, disease-specific and innovative devices, and task-related positioning for swallowing. Twenty-eight studies and guidelines published between 2000 and 2025 were included. Evidence highlights the benefits of integrating adjustable or dynamic head supports with trunk stabilization, the selective use of rigid cervical orthoses for short-term stabilization or disease-specific weakness, and posture-based approaches in dysphagia rehabilitation. However, most studies remain small, heterogeneous, or consensus-based. Social implications include enhanced autonomy, caregiver relief, and potential cost savings, though barriers remain for equitable implementation in the Brazilian Unified Health System, such as limited access to advanced technologies and regional disparities. Further comparative and user-centered studies are needed to strengthen evidence and inform public health policies.