The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training on Walking Ability and Pain in Patients with Total Knee Replacement

Purpose: This study attempted to determine the influence of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training on walking ability and pain in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty patients. Methods:The participants were 60 total knee replacement patients, randomly assigned to three groups of 20: a general physical therapy group, a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group, and a general physical therapy + proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group.Both exercises were performed 6 days per week, for 60 min a day, for a period of 4 weeks.Results: After the intervention was conducted, the following test results for walking ability and pain were obtained.In the walking ability test, a comparison of walking velocity within groups showed a significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (p < .05)(p < .001),and a comparison between groups also showed a significant difference (p < .001).Cadence comparison within groups revealed a significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (p < .001),as did the comparison between groups (p < .001).For the timed up and go test, a significant within-group difference was found in group 3 (p < .001),and a significant difference was also observed between groups (p < .001).A comparison of pain within groups showed a significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (p < .001),as well as a significant difference between groups (p < .001). Conclusion:Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training improves walking ability and reduces pain in patients with total knee arthroplasty.It could be suggested as an effective therapeutic intervention for improving walking function and pain, particularly when applied according to the patient's recovery stage in clinical practice.