Comparison of Upper Quarter Function and Balance between Female Students with and without Uneven Shoulders

Abstract

Uneven shoulder is one of the most common malalignment. The aim of this study was to compare the difference between dominant and non-dominant upper quarter function and static and dynamic balance between people with and without uneven shoulder. In this descriptive comparative study, 20 female students with uneven shoulders and 20 students with even shoulders aged 20 to 30 years were purposefully selected and compared. To evaluate the uneven shoulder, digital camera imaging and analysis with AutoCAD 2020 software were used. Also, Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-UQ) was used to measure upper quarter function and stork test and balance test were used to assess static and dynamic balance, respectively. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version22. The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference between the mean function of upper quarter in inferolateral direction (p=0.048) and static balance (p=0.044) between dominant and non-dominant side in people with and without uneven shoulder, and the uneven shoulder group had lower scores than with even shoulders group, but there was no significant difference in dynamic balance (p=0.372). In general, it can be concluded that the mean difference in upper quarter function in inferolateral direction and static balance between dominant and non-dominant side of individuals with uneven shoulder is higher than those with even shoulders. The alignment of the spine and the normal position of the scapula affect the function of the shoulder girdle. Based on this, it is suggested to examine the function of the upper and lower limbs in people with uneven shoulders because, despite these results, more investigations are needed in this case.