The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on trunk control in hemiplegic subjects: A pre post design

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Impaired trunk control is common in most of the hemiplegic patients during subacute stage that interferes with daily activities and worsens quality of life (QOL) of patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on trunk control and QOL in subjects with hemiplegia. DESIGN: This was a pre-post design. SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Belagavi. PATIENTS: Totally, 16 hemiplegic patients were recruited between the age group 18–65 years having trunk control test score ≥50 and were given PNF techniques. INTERVENTION: PNF techniques for 45 min, three times in a week for 4 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed at baseline using Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Specific-QOL (SS-QOL) and reassessed after 12 sessions. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test. PNF showed significant results (P CONCLUSION: The study concludes that PNF techniques are beneficial in improving trunk control and QOL in hemiplegic population. Hence, this costless technique, which does not require any equipment, can be regularly incorporated to all hemiplegic patients in any setup or at home.