Impact of Sling Use on Functional Mobility in a Geriatric Population

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Geriatrics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Sling immobilization is standard post-rotator cuff repair.
• Its impact on geriatric mobility and balance requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of sling use on balance and mobility in older adults.
• To determine if sling immobilization negatively impacts gait and stability.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective clinical trial with 50 participants (2019-2021).
• Patients were randomized into sling-worn and no-sling groups.
• Evaluations included the Edmonton Frail Scale and Tinetti gait and balance scoring.

Main Results:

• Sling use was associated with significantly lower balance (median 15.00 vs. 16.00) and gait (median 11.50 vs. 12.00) scores (P=0.006, P=0.011).
• Combined gait and balance scores were significantly higher without a sling (median 27.00 vs. 26.00, P=0.001).
• Anxiety about falling was minimal (score 0.16).

Conclusions:

• Postoperative sling immobilization negatively impacts balance and gait in the geriatric population.
• This may increase the risk of falls in elderly patients post-surgery.