Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Neck Pattern Exercises on Balance in Stroke - An Evidence Based Study

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the sudden loss of neurological function which is caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. A variety of focal deficits are possible that include changes in level of consciousness and impairments of sensory, motor, cognitive, perceptual and language functions. Trunk muscles are impaired in the patients with stroke so there is diminished ability to maintain balance because of weakened muscle strength of trunk. Resistance to neck motion during PNF provides irradiation to the trunk muscles. Purpose: The purpose is to study the scientific evidences regarding the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercises on balance in stroke. Methodology: A search for relevant articles was carried out using key words- Neck proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Balance, Trunk control and Stroke. Search engines used were Google Scholar, PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and ResearchGate. Studies were selected from year 2011-2020. Eight studies were included in which there were 6 randomized control trial, 1 case series, 1 single subject design. Results: All the 8 articles concluded that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercise is effective in improving balance in the patients with stroke. (level of evidence :1b,2a,4,5) Conclusion: Based on evidences, it can be concluded that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercise is found to be effective in improving balance in the patients with stroke. Clinical Implication: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercises can be used as an adjunct to other treatment in improving balance in stroke. Keywords: Neck proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, Balance, Trunk control and Stroke.