Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
Effects of shoulder brace usage on postural stability in stroke survivors: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Giovanni Morone1,2, Alessandro Antonio Princi3, Marco Iosa3,4
1Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
Background:
Despite advances in stroke rehabilitation, challenges in upper limb motor recovery and postural stability persist, negatively affecting overall well-being. Arm slings and shoulder braces have been proposed to address these issues, but their efficacy in promoting postural stability remains unclear.
Objective:
This pilot randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the impact of a new shoulder brace (N1-Neurosling) on trunk postural stability during walking, pain, and upper limb muscle strength in chronic stroke survivors.
Methods:
Twenty-four adult chronic stroke patients were involved and randomly assigned to the shoulder brace group (SBg) or control group (CTRLg). Were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T1) through the Trunk Control Test, the Numerical Rating Scale, the Motricity Index, Manual Muscle Test, and instrumental wearable-based assessment.
Results:
After 4 weeks, the SBg showed significant improvement in Trunk Control Test scores (p = 0.020) and smoothness of gait measured by log dimensionless jerk along the Antero-Posterior axis (- 5.31±0.25 vs. - 5.18±0.27, p = 0.018) compared to the CTRLg. The SBg also demonstrated a reduction in pain in the shoulder girdle and enhanced upper limb muscle strength.
Conclusion:
The use of the N1-Neurosling shoulder brace led to improvements in postural stability and smoothness of gait in stroke patients.
