Effectiveness of Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Balance and Gait Parameters in Children With Spastic Diplegia

Abstract

Background  Among several variants of Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegic is encountered most commonly in clinical setups. A majority of children with Spastic Diplegia manifest themselves with a disturbance in the geometrical orientation of their pelvis, which imposes an effect on their functional capabilities like walking with independence. This research had an emphasis on the extraction of the efficacy of Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Techniques on Balance and Gait Parameters in children suffering from Spastic Diplegia. Method Participants included in the study were between the age groups of 8 to 12 years who were diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia with an independent sitting and walking ability and who are coming in stages I to III according to Gross Motor Function Classification System. Subjects in group A were given Pelvic PNF techniques for 15 minutes on both sides along with Task-Oriented training for 30 minutes, six days a week and continuously for four weeks, while the subjects in group B were given only Task-Oriented activity for the same duration. The pre- and post-treatment assessments of all 40 subjects were gathered using the Paediatric Balance Scale, Palpation Meter device, and Gait Parameters. Results The study included 40 participants, which were segregated into two groups of 20 subjects in each group. Group A received Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with Task-Oriented Training, and group B received only Task-Oriented training activities. The contrast of pre- and post-treatment findings of both the groups revealed that group A reported a significant improvement in their outcomes (P>0.0001). Conclusion  The present study, which included 40 subjects, has generated evidence regarding the efficacy of Pelvic PNF on Balance and Gait Parameters in children with Spastic Diplegia.