• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.27-40
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• 2006

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effect of an arm sling on gait with hemiparesis. Methods: Fifteen patients(8 male, 7 female) with hemiparesis participated in this study and walked self-selected speed over 10m walkway, randomly without arm sling, with Single strap hemisling and Rolyan humeral cuff sling. It were filmed by 5 video camera and used with 3-dimensional motion analyzer system. The following gait variables were analyzed: temporo-spatial parameters, kinematic parameters. Results: In the comparison of temporo-spatial parameters each trial, walking velocity and single support time on affected side was significantly increased and step length on affected side, step length asymmetry ratio, single support time asymmetry ratio was significantly decreased in the Single strap hemisling and Rolyan humeral cuff sling. In the comparison of kinematic parameters each trial, maximal angle of the hip flexion on affected side was significantly increased in the Single strap hemisling and Rolyan humeral cuff sling and maximal angle of the knee flexion on affected side was significantly increased in the Rolyan humeral cuff sling and maximal angle of the ankle dorsiflexion on affected side was significantly increased in the Single strap hemisling. Conclusion: An arm sling improved walking velocity and decreased asymmetry and increased maximal angle of hip, knee, ankle flexion on affected side with hemiparesis caused by stroke.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.267-276
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variations in gait parameters according to arm slings used in healthy adults. Twenty healthy adults (9 males, 11 females) participated in this study and walked at self-selected speeds on a GAITRite-instrumented carpet. They were randomly assigned conditions: without an arm sling, a care sling, a Harris hemi arm sling, a CVA sling, and a Rolyan humeral cuff sling. The following gait parameters were analyzed: the temporo-spatial parameters of gait velocity, swing phase, single support, cadence. In the comparison of parameters in each trial, step length was statistically significantly changed(p=.002). The right step length was significantly decreased in the Harris hemi arm sling and increased in the Rolyan humeral cuff sling when compared with no sling. This study found that several different types arm slings varied gait pattern in healthy adults.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.77-86
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variations in gait parameters in terms of the type of arm sling used in hemiplegic patients. Ten patients with hemiplegia and ten healthy adults participated in this study and walked at self-selected speeds on a GAITRite-instrumented carpet. The activities of the opposite shoulder girdle muscle including the latissimus dorsi, anterior deltoid, and posterior deltoid were simultaneously recorded using surface EMG during gait. They were randomly assigned a condition: without an arm sling, a single strap arm sling, a Harris hemi arm sling, a Rolyan humeral cuff arm sling, and a Bobath roll arm sling. The following gait variables were analyzed: the temporo-spatial parameters of velocity, step length, stride length, swing phase, stance phase, single support, step time and toe in/toe out. The statistical analysis was one-way ANOVA with repeated measures to compare the variation of each variable. In comparison of parameters in each trial in the hemiplegia group, the non-affected side stride length, single support, and toe in/toe out resulted in statistically significantly changes (p<.05). But without an arm sling group did not show any gait parameter differences with arm slings. This study found that several arm slings varied gait patterns in patients with hemiplegia and in healthy adults. In the EMG analysis, the Rolyan humeral cuff arm sling and the Bobath roll arm sling were higher muscle activity for the latissimus dorsi muscle than did the single strap ann sling. Further study should examine the problems that appeared in patients who worn arm slings by focusing on a larger number of subjects and by studying the variety of responses in more detail using an assessment tool that measures variation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.243-250
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• 2007

Purpose : Shoulder subluxation is a very common problem in patients with hemiplegia with stroke. Prevention of the low tone subluxed shoulder has been an issue for physical therapists working with neurological patients for many years. Methods : This study reviewed the literature to definite the management and a cause of shoulder subluxation with hemiplegia patients after stroke. Various modalities have been suggested for realigning the glenohumeral joint, but their use is controversial. The purpose of this paper is to review critically the evidence base in order to inform the clinical decision-making process for physiotherapists working in neurology. Results : Literature has identified supports, strapping and functional electrical stimulation(FES) in the management of low tone shoulders. Following review of this evidence it is suggested that there is a lack of reliable and valid research evidence on which to base conclusions. The modalities with the best supporting evidence for realigning the low tone subluxed glenohumeral joint are the triangular sling, Harris hemi sling and the Rolyan humeral cuff used in a standing position and the lap board and arm trough while the patient is sitting. However, due to soft tissue adaptation with associated lack of movement, over-correction and the need for careful patient positioning these supports need to be evaluated for each patient and should be used only in appropriate situations. Conclusion : Similarly, there is a lack of evidence on the effects of long-term use to this equipment. Electrical stimulation is also thought to have potential in the treatment to subluxed low tone shoulders but additional research is required to clarify the parameters for use and the long-term effects of these forms of management.