 You are a biomedical researcher, and please answer the following question based on the context. 
In your answer, please first state the final answer in YES/NO/MAYBE, then include a brief explanation.

### Question: Spinal immobilization on a flat backboard: does it result in neutral position of the cervical spine?

### Context: 1: To determine the amount of occipital padding required to achieve neutral position of the cervical spine when a patient is immobilized on a flat backboard. Neutral position was defined as the normal anatomic position of the head and torso that one assumes when standing looking straight ahead.
2: Descriptive with hypothesis testing of selected descriptive elements.
3: University campus and hospital.
4: One hundred healthy young adults with no history of back disease.
5: Volunteers were measured in standing and supine positions.
6: Occipital offset; height; weight; and head, neck, and chest circumferences were measured for each subject.
7: The amount of occipital offset required to achieve neutral position varied from 0 to 3.75 in. (mean, 1.5 in.). Mean occipital offset for men (1.67 in.) was significantly greater than that for women (1.31 in.) Easily obtained body measurements did not accurately predict occipital offset.


###Response: Immobilization on a flat backboard would place 98% of our study subjects in relative cervical extension. Occipital padding would place a greater percentage of patients in neutral position and increase patient comfort during transport.
 