Flexion versus extension arm slings for walking and balance after stroke
Effects of Flexion and Extension Type Arm Slings on Walking Kinematics and Balance in Stroke Patients
This project will test whether using a flexion-type or extension-type arm sling helps walking and balance in adults who have had a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07036900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study compares walking kinematics and balance in people with stroke wearing flexion-type versus extension-type arm slings, and contrasts their results with healthy control participants. Participants with stroke who can walk independently or with an assistive device will perform standardized walking and balance tests while wearing different slings. Outcomes include measures of gait (speed, step length, cadence) and balance to see how sling type alters movement and stability. The goal is to determine whether one sling type is associated with better walking mechanics or balance than the other.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–80 with a confirmed stroke who can walk independently or with an assistive device (Functional Ambulation Category ≥2), have Modified Ashworth Scale ≤2 in key muscles, can walk 10 meters, and have physician approval for exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with severe visual impairments, cerebellar involvement, very low upper-extremity motor recovery (Brunnstrom stage ≤3), other neurologic or orthopedic conditions affecting gait, cancer, or inability to follow commands are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify which arm sling type better supports walking and balance, potentially reducing fall risk and improving daily mobility for stroke survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Direct comparisons of flexion versus extension arm slings on gait and balance are limited, so this approach is relatively untested although sling use for shoulder subluxation is commonly reported in rehabilitation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion criteria for EG were: (1) stroke diagnosis, (2) age 18-80, (3) independent ambulation (Functional Ambulation Category-FAS ≥ 2), (4) Modified Ashworth Scale-MAS ≤2 for gastrocnemius and biceps muscles, (5) ability to walk 10 m independently or with assistive device, (6) physician approval for an exercise program. * Inclusion criteria for CG: (1) healthy individuals without any additional neurological or orthopaedic diseases that may affect balance and gait, (2) age 18-80, (3) physician approval for an exercise program. Exclusion Criteria: * (1) severe visual impairments, (2) cerebellar involvement, (3) upper extremity Brunnstrom stage ≤ 3, (4) cancer diagnosis, (5) presence of a neurological or orthopedic condition other than stroke, (6) inability to understand and follow commands or lack of cooperation.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Bahçeşehir Liv Hospital Neur-on — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ceren Bayrak Dörtkol, Msc
- Email: cerenbayrakdortkol@gmail.com
- Phone: +905399165286
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.