Effect of Shoulder Sling Use on Balance and Mobility in Subacute Stroke Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of stroke in the subacute phase (up to 6 months post-onset) * Hemiplegia affecting one upper limb * Brunnstrom stage \< 4 for the affected upper limb * Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score \> 3 * Age between 40 and 80 years * Ability to follow simple instructions * Medically stable to participate in balance and mobility testing * Signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment (e.g. MMSE \< 23) * Visual or vestibular disorders affecting balance * Significant orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions of the lower limbs * Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary disease * Use of assistive devices that prevent sling application * Severe aphasia interfering with understanding or communication * Skin lesions or injuries at the shoulder region preventing sling use