The effect of using in different positions of upper extremity splint on temporo-spatial characteristics of gait

This study was planned to investigate the effect of fixation of dominant upper extremity in different positions on gait parameters in healthy subjects. The mean age was 25.94 ± 4.48 years, the mean body mass index was 25.66 ± 4.23 kg/m² with characteristics; 23 of the individuals were male (61%) and 15 were female (39%), a total of 38 healthy individuals participated. All of the individuals were right dominant and in order to fix the upper extremity in individuals, a splint was used that unilaterally supports the shoulder and elbow joints in certain positions. Shoulder joint adduction and 60° internal rotation (P1); shoulder joint adduction and in 30° external rotation (P2); shoulder joint 30° abduction and 60° external rotation (P3), shoulder joint in 90° abduction (P4), and elbow joint in all positions in 90° flexion, the forearm and wrist were fixed in the neutral position. In a total of 5 positions, with four different splint positions and without splint, the individuals walked at their own speeds for at least 5 minutes with randomization of positions and they were evaluated by GAITRite the computerized walkway. After the walking analysis, the questionnaire was applied with the compliance and comfort of splint. Step length, stride length, step width, toe in angle, single leg support time, walking speed and cadence variables were obtained with GAITRite. The walking speed, cadence and step lengths decreased in all positions compared to the without splint position; step width, right single leg support time and toe in angle were increased in all positions compared to the without splint position walking (p<0.05). As a result of comparing the bilateral walking variables of individuals in each of the splint positions, findings of walking asymmetry were obtained especially in P1, P2 and P4. As a result, it was determined that restriction of arm swing by the upper extremity of fixed with a splint at any position affected walking. Our study suggests that restraining arm swing by fixing the upper extremity at any position affects walking and therefore that changes in gait parameters should be considered when establishing a clinical decision-making and rehabilitation program in situations where splinting be performed. KEY Words; Arm Swing, Gait Analysis, Splint, Splint positions.