Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation [PNF] Technique for Knee and Ankle Muscles on Lower Limb Performance in Subacute Stroke

BACKGROUND: Gait dysfunction is one of the most serious consequences of stroke due to lower limb impairments. Which results into increased falls, sit to stand disability and restricted mobility leading to individual’s poor quality of life and functional dependency.Thus, the significant predictor of mobility after the stroke is the knee and ankle muscle strength. AIM: To find out the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation [PNF] technique for knee and ankle muscles on lower limb performance in subacute stroke – an experimental study. OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of PNF technique on knee and ankle muscles. To improve the balance and functional training in subacute stroke patients. METHODOLOGY: Using a Convenience sampling method, a sample of 20 subacute stroke patients were recruited.An Experimental study was carried out at two tertiary care hospitals and the statistical data was analyzed at Dr. Ulhas Patil College of Physiotherapy, Jalgaon. A protocol of 10 days treatment sessions was given to all the patients.Protocol unified PNF Rhythmic stabilization technique utilizing alternating isometric contractions of both agonist and antagonist against resistance.Five Times Sit to Stand Performance Test [5 STS], Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile [mEFAP], Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke [PASS] were used to measure the lower limb performances. RESULTS: The paired t test value was 8.61, 8.51 and 5.06 in 5 STS test, PASS and mEFAP (s) with the p value less than 0.05 in each test showed the significant difference in average pre and posttests scores respectively. CONCLUSION: Hence, we emphasized a potential role of Rhythmic Stabilization showing an effective method for improving balance and walking ability in subacute stroke patients.