Study on How Wearing a Shoulder Sling Affects Balance and Movement in Adults Aged 40 to 80 Recovering from Stroke with One-Sided Paralysis

What this Trial Is About

The research investigates whether wearing a shoulder sling improves balance and mobility in people recovering from stroke during the subacute phase. It focuses on patients with hemiplegia affecting one upper limb and aims to understand if using the sling helps patients feel more stable and safe while walking and performing everyday activities. This cross-over study evaluates the effect of the sling on balance and functional mobility using validated movement tests. Participants will complete three functional tests the Timed Up and Go TUG, Functional Reach Test FRT, and Modified Four Square Step Test mFSST. Each test is performed twice, once while wearing a shoulder sling on the affected upper limb and once without the sling, with the order randomized. The study is conducted in rehabilitation centers under clinical researcher supervision to assess measurable benefits of the sling. During the study, participants perform these balance and mobility tests under controlled conditions. Researchers measure performance on the tests with and without the sling on the same day. The primary outcomes focus on comparing results from both conditions to evaluate stability and functional mobility. Participants must be medically stable, able to follow instructions, and attend testing sessions, which last about one day per participant.

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