Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in postural stability and risk of falls in patients with sequelae of stroke: pilot study

Abstract

The trunk control is a basic motor skill necessary to perform many functional tasks and is deficient in patients suffering from cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Objective: To evaluate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on trunk balance and risk of falls in patients with sequelae of stroke. Methodology: An intervention study was conducted consisting of trunk stability training through a fixed protocol of five exercises using the PNF method. 10 sessions were conducted, with a frequency of 3 times per week and average length of 45 minutes. To evaluate the results, we used the Berg balance scale (BBS). Results: Twelve men with left hemiparesis and at least six months of evolution were attended; there was a highly significant difference between pre and posttest values by means of BBS (p<0.01). Conclusion: PNF had beneficial effects in stabilizing the trunk and impact on risk of falls in subjects with left hemiparesis.