Effect of the short and intensive rehabilitation (SHAiR) program on dynamic alignment in patients with dropped head syndrome during level walking.

• Level walking under SHAiR was investigated for dropped head syndrome (DHS). • The head angle and stride increased during level walking after SHAiR. • No change was observed in the trunk and pelvis angles during level walking. • SHAiR also has an effect on the dynamic movement of DHS. The purpose of this study was to assess the change of dynamic alignment after the short and intensive rehabilitation (SHAiR) program in patients with dropped head syndrome (DHS). Eighteen patients with DHS patients who complained of their inability to maintain horizontal gaze and underwent the SHAiR program. Patients performed level walking at a self-selected speed. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic data were recorded using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Statistical analysis was performed to compare these data before and after the SHAiR program. Those who underwent the SHAiR program showed a significant increase in the head angle and stride length compared to pre-treatment measurements (p < 0.05). The SHAiR program modifies the malalignment of the head and neck and spatiotemporal parameters in DHS patients during level walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]