Do Pain Duration and Affected Side Affect Balance in Shoulder Pathologies? a Controlled Study

Abstract

Purpose The study investigated the impact of shoulder pathologies on balance and changes associated with pain duration and affected side. Methods A total of fifty-five individuals were included in this study. Individuals with shoulder pathology were grouped according to the duration of pain and the affected side. Balance evaluation was done using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the One Leg Stand (OLS) test performed on hard and soft ground with open and closed eyes. Results Pain duration negatively affected dynamic balance, and those with pain for less than six months had better TUG results (p=0.027). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in OLS and TUG tests in relation to the affected shoulder side. Conclusion Shoulder pathology negatively impacts individuals' dynamic and static balance. As the pain duration due to shoulder pathology increases in individuals, dynamic balance is negatively affected.