The Effect Of Arm Sling On Static Balance In Stroke Patients

Objective: Stroke is an important cause of disability in adults. Poststroke patients with hemiplegia have problems in standing and walking, and balance is deteriorated. Shoulder subluxation is a very common problem in patients with hemiplegia and use of arm slings is a traditional treatment in this condition. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of arm sling on balance in patients with hemiplegia.Methods: Twenty-three patients followed by stroke follow up clinic in our department were included in this study. Functional status was evaluated with Brunnstrom Assessment, Functional Ambulation Scale, Rivermaed Mobility Index and Functional Independence Measurement. Balance was assessed clinically by using Berg Balance Scale. Balance measurements were done with Kinestetic Ability Trainer and measurements were repeated with arm sling on hemiplegic side.Results: The average age of the twenty-three patients and mean time since stroke were 53,91±11,34 years and 3,65±1,69 months, respectively. Mean score of Berg Balance Scale was found 39,60±9,39. As for balance measurements which were done by Kinestetic Ability Trainer, measurements were found statistically significantly better with arm sling.Conclusion: In our study arm sling was found to have a positive effect on balance in early period especially in patients with low brunnstrom stage.