The Effect of a Shoulder Brace on Balance and Functional Mobility in Patients with Hemiplegia After Stroke: A Cross-Over Clinical Study

Shoulder pain, subluxation, and displacement of the body’s center of gravity due to hemiplegia negatively affect patients’ balance, gait, and functionality post-stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a shoulder orthosis on balance and functional mobility in patients post-stroke. This cross-over clinical study was conducted in rehabilitation centers within the Attica Region and included 26 patients in the subacute phase following a stroke. Outcome measures included dynamic balance and functional mobility, assessed through the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Functional Reach Test (FRT), and the modified Four-Square Step Test (mFSST). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0.10, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results showed significant improvements in patient performance with the shoulder orthosis in the FRT (p = 0.049, d = 0.406), TUG (p = 0.023, d = 0.446), and (mFSST) (p = 0.004, d = 0.565). In addition, correlations were observed between Brunnstrom stages, Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) scores, and performance on the dynamic balance and functional mobility tests. Gender, functional status and hemiplegia side did not have a significant effect on the study outcomes. The use of a shoulder orthosis has a positive effect on dynamic balance and functional mobility in patients in the subacute phase post-stroke.