Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Pattern on Balance and Gait in Post-Stroke Patients

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns on gait and balance in post-stroke patients. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 24 post-stroke patients who were equally allocated to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received PNF patterns for pelvic and scapular mobility utilizing elastic resistance bands in conjunction with conventional physiotherapy. The control group received only conventional physiotherapy. The intervention was administered for 60 min per session, 5 days per week, for a duration of 4 weeks. Gait and balance were assessed using the observational gait analysis, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Results: The intervention group exhibited significant improvements in gait and balance compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, enhancements in stroke-specific quality of life were observed in the intervention group. Conclusion: PNF patterns utilizing elastic resistance bands demonstrate significant improvements in gait, balance, and quality of life among post-stroke patients. This intervention, characterized by its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation, exhibits beneficial outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.