Effect of Shoulder Sling Use on Balance and Mobility in Subacute Stroke Patients

Arnaoutis Stylianos17 enrolled

Overview

This study examines whether wearing a shoulder sling can improve balance and mobility in people who are recovering from a stroke. Participants will perform simple movement and balance tests twice-once with the sling and once without. The goal is to find out if using the sling helps patients feel more stable and safe during walking and everyday activities.

This is a cross-over study designed to evaluate the impact of shoulder sling use on balance and functional mobility in patients recovering from stroke in the subacute phase. Participants will be asked to complete three validated functional tests: the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST). Each test will be performed twice, once with the shoulder sling and once without, in randomized order. The study aims to determine whether the sling provides measurable benefits in stability and performance during movement tasks. Data will be collected in rehabilitation centers under the supervision of clinical researchers.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Hemiplegia Balance Disorders Mobility Limitation

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of stroke in the subacute phase (up to 6 months post-onset) * Hemiplegia affecting one upper limb * Brunnstrom stage \< 4 for the affected upper limb * Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score \> 3 * Age between 40 and 80 years * Ability to follow simple instructions * Medically stable to participate in balance and mobility testing * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment (e.g. MMSE \< 23) * Visual or vestibular disorders affecting balance * Significant orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limbs * Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary disease * Use of assistive devices that prevent sling application * Severe aphasia interfering with understanding or communication * Skin lesions or injuries at the shoulder region preventing sling use

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

Time required (in seconds) to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down.

Time frame: Within 1 day (each participant performs it twice - with and without sling)

Functional Reach Test (FRT)

Distance reached (in centimeters) while standing and reaching forward without losing balance.

Time frame: Within 1 day (each participant performs it twice - with and without sling)

Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST)

Time required to step in all four quadrants in a specified sequence.

Time frame: Within 1 day (each participant performs it twice - with and without sling)

Effect of Shoulder Sling Use on Balance and Mobility in Subacute Stroke Patients

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Central Contacts