Objective: To investigate the effect of scapular dysfunction on dynamic balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Background: Posture and balance are influenced by voluntary movements and biomechanical interactions between the trunk and shoulder girdle1,2. During gait, energy transfer occurs between the thoracolumbar fascia, pelvis, and shoulder girdles1. Shoulder movement is produced by the combined action of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints 2. Biomechanical alterations in the thorax and scapula may, therefore, affect upper extremity function and postural control3,4. Patients with PD frequently experience shoulder problems related to rigidity and postural changes, which may contribute to balance impairments5-7.
Method: The study included 11 PD patients with scapular dysfunction, 9 PD patients without scapular dysfunction, and 10 healthy individuals matched for age and gender. Scapular dysfunction was assessed observationally. Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI).
Results: No significant differences were found among the groups for TUG (p=0.062) or FRT (p=0.165). However, DGI scores differed significantly between groups (p=0.035). Post-hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction showed that this difference was between PD patients with scapular dysfunction and healthy individuals (p=0.017).
Conclusion: Scapular dysfunction may negatively influence gait-related dynamic balance in patients with PD. Even in early stages of the disease, scapular dysfunction appears to contribute to balance impairment. Assessment and treatment of scapular dysfunction should therefore be considered in PD patients presenting with gait balance problems.
References: 1. Chaitow L, DeLany J. Chapter 3 – Gait analysis. In: Chaitow L, DeLany J, eds. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 2 (Second Edition). Churchill Livingstone; 2011:61-84.
2. Aliaj K, Lawrence RL, Bo Foreman K, Chalmers PN, Henninger HB. Kinematic coupling of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joints generates humeral axial rotation. J Biomech. May 2022;136:111059. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111059
3. Umer M, Qadir I, Azam M. Subacromial impingement syndrome. Orthop Rev (Pavia). May 9 2012;4(2):e18. doi:10.4081/or.2012.e18
4. Hunter DJ, Rivett DA, McKeirnan S, Smith L, Snodgrass SJ. Relationship Between Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Thoracic Posture. Phys Ther. Apr 17 2020;100(4):677-686. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzz182
5. Papalia R, Torre G, Papalia G, et al. Frozen shoulder or shoulder stiffness from Parkinson disease? Musculoskelet Surg. Aug 2019;103(2):115-119. doi:10.1007/s12306-018-0567-3
6. Tueth LE, Duncan RP. Musculoskeletal pain in Parkinson’s disease: a narrative review. Neurodegener Dis Manag. Oct 2021;11(5):373-385. doi:10.2217/nmt-2021-0011
7. Viseux FJF, Delval A, Defebvre L, Simoneau M. Postural instability in Parkinson’s disease: Review and bottom-up rehabilitative approaches. Neurophysiol Clin. Nov 2020;50(6):479-487. doi:10.1016/j.neucli.2020.10.013
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
G. Polat, A. Fil, Y. Salci, Aİ. Yalcin, S. Topuz, E. Turgut, G. Yalcin Cakmaklı, B. Elibol. The Effect of Scapular Dysfunction on Dynamic Balance in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2026; 41 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effect-of-scapular-dysfunction-on-dynamic-balance-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed October 1, 2026.« Back to 2026 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-effect-of-scapular-dysfunction-on-dynamic-balance-in-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/