Do Pain Duration and Affected Side Affect Balance in Shoulder Pathologies? A Controlled Study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Shoulder pathologies are common and can significantly affect an individual's quality of life.
• Balance is crucial for daily activities and fall prevention, yet the impact of shoulder issues on balance is not fully understood.
• Understanding how pain duration and affected side influence balance is vital for targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of shoulder pathologies on both static and dynamic balance.
• To analyze how pain duration and the affected shoulder side influence balance performance.
• To provide insights into the relationship between shoulder health and overall postural stability.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five individuals with shoulder pathology were assessed.
• Participants were grouped based on pain duration (less than six months vs. longer) and affected shoulder side.
• Balance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the One Leg Stand (OLS) test under various conditions (hard/soft ground, eyes open/closed).

Main Results:

• Longer pain duration negatively impacted dynamic balance, with individuals experiencing pain for less than six months showing better TUG results (p=0.027).
• No significant differences in balance test results were found concerning the affected shoulder side (left vs. right).
• Shoulder pathology was demonstrated to negatively affect both dynamic and static balance capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Shoulder pathologies significantly impair individuals' dynamic and static balance.
• Increasing pain duration in shoulder pathologies is directly correlated with a decline in dynamic balance.
• The findings underscore the importance of addressing shoulder health for maintaining overall balance and reducing fall risk.