Immediate effect of use of bobath type shoulder strap on pain, spinal posture, balance and upper extremity functions in individuals with stroke

The study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of the use of a Bobath-type shoulder sling on spinal posture, pain, balance and upper extremity functions in individuals with stroke. The study included 25 stroke patients aged 43-78 years, taking into account the inclusion criteria. Demographic and clinical ınformation, Modified Ashworth Scale and Cognitive Assessment methods were applied to individuals who met the inclusion criteria. Sulcus sign, Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Visual Analog Scale, 9-Hole Peg Test and Spinal Mouse assessment methods were performed twice, with and without a Bobath type shoulder strap, with a 5-minute rest break between each assessment method in the same environmental conditions to prevent fatigue. As a result of the study, when the instant use of Bobath type shoulder sling in stroke patients was compared with measurements without sling, there was a difference in balance (p<0.001), sulcus sign (p<0.001), upper extremity functions (p=0.004), posture evaluations in the sagittal plane in upright position in lumbar (p=0.045), in flexion position in sacrum-hip (p=0.021), inclination angles in extension and flexion range of motion of the trunk (p=0.028), inclination angles in upright position and left lateral flexion range of motion in the frontal plane in favor of measurements with sling (p=0.044). In stroke patients, there was a difference in the sacrum-hip (p=0.009) and thoracic (p=0.012) angles in the lateral flexion position in the frontal plane in the individuals whose right side was affected compared to the individuals whose left side was affected, and in the sacrum-hip (p=0.03) angles in stroke patients whose healthy side was right compared to the individuals whose healthy side was left. No difference was observed in shoulder pain and trunk functions when compared to measurements without a Bobath type shoulder sling. In conclusion, the instant use of a Bobath-type shoulder sling in stroke patients corrected posture, reduced sulcus distance, and improved balance and upper extremity functions. According to the results of our study, the use of the Bobath type shoulder sling in hemiplegic rehabilitation is recommended.