Shoulder Supports with Stroke Patients: A Canadian Survey

Abstract

A mailed survey questionnaire was conducted to identify which shoulder supports Canadian therapists are using with stroke patients, what goals they hope to achieve with these supports, and how therapists are measuring effectiveness or change resulting from the use of shoulder supports. The questionnaire was sent to 351 facilities which included general hospitals, rehabilitation centres, extended care, and chronic care facilities. Over 90% of the questionnaires were returned. The four goals respondents most frequently hoped to achieve with shoulder supports were to prevent and decrease subluxation and pain. The most frequently used supports are the Lapboard, the Cuff Type Arm Sling, the Arm Trough Support, and the Bobath Axial Roll. Respondents most frequently measure the effectiveness of the shoulder support by asking patients if they experience less pain with the support, assessing subluxation, and swelling of the hand. Less frequent outcome measures assessed include range of motion, spasticity, and body awareness. Approximately 10% of the respondents who are occupational therapists acknowledge participation in projects which evaluate some aspect of the occupational therapy management of stroke patients or some aspect of the clinical research of shoulder supports. These results are discussed with their implications for both clinical practice and further research in occupational therapy.