TO COMPARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PELVIC PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION (PNF) AND CORE STABILITY EXERCISE ON TRUNK IMPAIRMENT IN SUB ACUTE – CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: Stroke commonly leads to impairments in trunk control, resulting in difficulties in balance and postural stability. Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Core Stability exercises are two interventions aimed at improving trunk control in stroke patients. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Pelvic PNF and Core Stability exercises on trunk impairment and balance in stroke patients. Methods: Thirty stroke patients were randomly assigned to either a Pelvic PNF group (Group A, n=15) or a Core Stability exercise group (Group B, n=15). Both groups received their respective interventions 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were used to evaluate trunk control and balance before and after the intervention. Results: Both Pelvic PNF and Core Stability exercises significantly improved TIS and BBS scores in the respective groups (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in post-intervention outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion: Pelvic PNF and Core Stability exercises are equally effective in improving trunk control and balance in stroke patients. Either intervention can be utilized in clinical rehabilitation settings depending on patient needs and preferences.