Comparative Effects of PNF and Task-Oriented Training on Physical Function, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This study compared the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and task-oriented training (TOT) on balance, gait, activities of daily living, and quality of life in stroke patients.Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients (onset 1-2 years) were randomly allocated to the PNF group (n=15) and the TOT group (n=15).Both groups received their respective interventions in addition to conventional physical therapy, five times per week for six weeks.Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go (TUG), 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), and EuroQoL five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L).Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA.Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in all measures (p < 0.05).Between-group comparisons revealed that the PNF group had significantly greater improvement in TUG (p < 0.05), while the TOT group showed greater improvement in 10MWT (p < 0.05).No significant between-group differences were found for the BBS, K-MBI, and EQ-5D-3L. Conclusion:Both PNF and TOT effectively improve functional outcomes in patients with chronic stroke, with specific advantages for each approach.PNF appears more effective for improving dynamic balance, while TOT is more beneficial for enhancing gait speed.Treatment selection should thus be individualized based on the patients' specific functional goals.