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

Launched by ARNAOUTIS STYLIANOS · Mar 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether wearing a shoulder sling can help improve balance and mobility for people recovering from a stroke. The researchers want to see if the sling makes patients feel more stable and safe when they walk and do everyday activities. Participants will take part in simple movement and balance tests—once while wearing the sling and once without it—to compare the results.

To join the study, participants should be between 40 and 80 years old and have had a stroke within the last six months that affects one arm. They should be able to follow simple instructions and be medically stable enough to take part in the tests. However, people with severe cognitive issues, certain vision or balance disorders, or other serious health problems may not be eligible. If you or a loved one fits these criteria, this trial could provide valuable insights into improving daily life after a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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