Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance, strength, and mobility of an older adult with chronic stroke: A case report

Abstract

This study described the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) program on balance, strength, and mobility in an older adult with chronic stroke. The patient was male, aged 69 years, with right hemiplegia for 17 years, and had diminished balance, balance confidence, lower extremity (LE) strength, and gait velocity. He received 1 h of PNF-based therapy thrice a week for six weeks. Outcome measures were: Mini-BESTest, limits of stability (LOS), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Five Time Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Upright Motor Control Test (UMCT), and 10 Meter Walk Test (10 MWT). The patient improved on the Mini-BESTest (25/28, from 21/28), FTSST (27.47 s, from 30.27 s), UMCT knee extension (moderate, from weak), and 10 MWT (0.82 m/s, from 0.67 m/s); and positive changes in LOS dimensions. PNF was effective in enhancing balance, strength, and mobility in an older adult with chronic stroke and may mitigate falls risk in this population. More research is needed to determine its impact in a larger sample of older people with chronic stroke.