Tracking changes in glenohumeral joint position in acute post-stroke hemiparetic patients: an observational study.

CONCLUSION: Minimal changes in glenohumeral joint positioning occurs early post-stroke. Clinicians should consider changes in glenohumeral joint position for both non- and hemiparetic sides during the early rehabilitation phase following stroke. Implications for rehabilitation Changes occur in glenohumeral joint centre of rotation (GHJC) position between hemiparetic and non-hemiparetic sides early in people with mild stroke. Clinicians need to be aware of early GHJC positional changes. Early GHJC positional changes may contribute to the development of hemiparetic shoulder pain (HSP), anterior humeral subluxation and glenohumeral joint impingement. Clinicians should employ current best practice guidelines which promote safe positioning and handling of the upper limb to minimise subluxation forces and potential trauma to the passive restraints of the shoulder in the acute phase following stroke, to reduce the possibility of glenohumeral subluxation in the short term. PMID: 27868431 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research