Does immobilization of the shoulder in different positions affect gait?

Abstract

BackgroundThe shoulder joint is immobilized in various positions after injury or reconstructive operative intervention. It is not clear how these immobilization positions in the shoulder joint affect gait. Research questionDoes the immobilized shoulder joint in different positions following shoulder surgery or injury affect gait? MethodsA total of 38 healthy individuals with a mean age of 25.94 years and BMI of 25.66 kg/m2, underwent gait analysis in 4 different immobilized positions and normal gait. Gait parameters were evaluated using the GAITRite electronic walkway, and to determine symmetry, the bilateral spatiotemporal gait parameters were calculated using the Symmetry Index. Repeated-measures one way analysis of variance was used to compare the walking parameters in different positions. ResultsVelocity, step length and stride length were significantly decreased, and step width and single support time were increased in some immobilized positions (p < 0.05). Differences in asymmetry were determined in the gait parameters of the immobilized positions but not significantly. When the shoulder was immobilized in abduction, step width asymmetry tended to increase but it was not significant. SignificanceThis cross-sectional simulation study may be important in demonstrating the clinical changes of gait in injuries, pathologies, and postoperative rehabilitation that require the immobilization of the shoulder joint. It could be recommended that arm swing is included in gait rehabilitation, gait and balance training can be provided to patients after shoulder immobilization.