Changes in brain activation patterns after physiotherapy program: A preliminary randomized controlled trial study after Postural Reconstruction® and stretching programs

Abstract

Postural Reconstruction® is a physiotherapy method that has been developed over the last two decades. Its main therapeutic objectives are to decrease pain levels, normalize joint alignment and posture and improve movement and function. The goal of this study was to substantiate the neuromuscular mechanism of action of Postural Reconstruction® by evidencing pre- vs. post-intervention changes in brain activation patterns during sustained ankle dorsiflexion. It concerns a single-centre, prospective, randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial. Sixteen healthy subjects (8 males and 8 females; age range: 20–23) were randomized into two groups: an interventional Postural Reconstruction® group (n=8) and a control stretching group (n=8). Both groups performed 10 weekly sessions. The Postural Reconstruction® sessions involved five manoeuvres and the stretching sessions involved five different exercises. Brain activation patterns were measured via single-photon emission computed tomography. Each subject received two 1480 MBq doses (3 months apart). We performed a voxel-wise statistical analysis (using Statistical Parametric Mapping software) to detect changes in brain activation within each group. ResultsWe observed statistically significant pre- vs. post-intervention changes in brain activation patterns in the Postural Reconstruction® group (a neuromuscular approach), but also in the stretching group (viewed as a mechanical approach). There were no significant intergroup differences in the pre- or post-intervention brain activation patterns. ConclusionsOur results suggest that the two different physiotherapy programmes have a neuromuscular mechanism of action and evidenced changes in brain activation patterns in young, healthy adults (i.e. free of CNS lesions) during the performance of ankle movements.