Effects of PNF Method for Hemiplegic Patients with Brachial Predominance after Stroke: Controlled and Blinded Clinical Trial

In stroke, ninety percent of survivors have motor sequelae, being the main one is hemiplegia or hemi paresis, respectively defined as total or partial paralysis of the movements of one side of the body, interfering directly on the balance and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The hemiplegia or paresis are prevalent in the upper limb disability, so this study will address this impairment. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) method is applied to restore motor deficits promoting the return of function and independence of the patients in ADLs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the PNF method in relation to functional performance, being assessed by two scales: the Functional Independence Measure and Fulg-Meyer Assessment. Twenty predominantly brachial hemiplegic individuals after stroke inserted in physical therapy treatment twice a week (one hour each session) were selected.