Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Physical Therapy on the Improvement of Balance and Gait in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author: Phan The Nguyen1,2, Li-Wei Chou1,3,4, Yueh-Ling Hsieh1
Affiliation:
1 Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.
2 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Nursing and Medical Technology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City 8428, Vietnam.
3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.
4 Department of Rehabilitation, Asia University Hospital, Taichung 413505, Taiwan.
Conference/Journal: Life (Basel)
Date published: 2022 Jun 13
Other: Volume ID: 12 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 882 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/life12060882. , Word Count: 203


The present study aims to determine the potential benefits of PNF on balance and gait function in patients with chronic stroke by using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic review in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Studies up to September 2020 are included. A systematic database search was conducted for randomized control trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of PNF intervention in patients with chronic stroke using balance and gait parameters as outcome measures. The primary outcomes of interest were Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT). Nineteen studies with 532 participants were included, of which twelve studies with 327 participants were included for meta-analysis. When the data were pooled, PNF made statistically significant improvements in balance with BBS, FRT and TUG (p < 0.05) or gait velocity with 10MWT (p < 0.001) when compared to the control. This review indicates that PNF is a potential treatment strategy in chronic stroke rehabilitation on balance and gait speed. Further high-quality research is required for concluding a consensus of intervention and research on PNF.

Keywords: gait; postural balance; proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; stroke; stroke rehabilitation.

PMID: 35743913 DOI: 10.3390/life12060882

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