Effects of Progressive Neuromuscular Control Training on Functional Mobility in Stroke with Bilateral OA Knee

Introduction- A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is the fourth major cause of mortality and the fifth major condition leading to disability in India [1]. Musculoskeletal disabilities such as osteoarthritis limit functional mobility and interfere with rehabilitation. While conventional exercises do not target improving neuromuscular or sensorimotor function, research on neuromuscular exercises in patients with degenerative pathology of the knee has been done; however, research on the effects of these exercises in stroke survivors with osteoarthritis of the both knees have not been done. Method- 100 participants, aged 45 to 75, were distributed equally for this case control study: 50 subjects were in the experimental group and received an 8-week neuromuscular control training program, while the other 50 received standard therapy. The participants were all stroke survivors in the third stage of Brunnstroms stages of recovery and had either Grade 1 or 2 osteoarthritis of both knees. Result- Both the VAS at rest and the VAS during activity showed extremely significant effects (P-value Conclusion Progressive neuromuscular control training was observed to improve pain, spatial and temporal parameters of gait, voluntary control and functional mobility.