The Effect of Good Limb Position Management Assistive Devices on Preventing Shoulder Subluxation in Hemiplegic Patients

Overview

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. During the early stage of recovery after cerebral infarction, reduced muscle tone and muscle weakness in the affected upper limb may lead to shoulder instability and shoulder subluxation, which can subsequently result in pain, limited range of motion, increased spasticity, and impaired upper extremity function. Early prevention of shoulder subluxation is therefore an important component of stroke rehabilitation.Proper positioning and external support of the affected upper limb may help maintain normal shoulder alignment, reduce gravitational traction on the shoulder joint, and prevent secondary complications. However, conventional sling-type shoulder supports have limitations in maintaining appropriate upper-limb positioning during different activities and postures. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel assistive device designed to prevent shoulder subluxation in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. Eighty participants with first-ever cerebral infarction will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving the novel assistive device in addition to standard rehabilitation, or the control group, receiving a conventional sling shoulder support and standard rehabilitation. The primary outcome is acromiohumeral distance measured by ultrasonography. Secondary outcomes include muscle spasticity assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale, joint range of motion, and upper extremity motor function. The findings of this study may provide evidence for the early prevention of shoulder subluxation and improve rehabilitation outcomes in patients with stroke.