Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance, strength, cognition and ADL'S IN elderly - A randomized control study.

BACKGROUND

A common and significant worry for people in their later year falls. Falls are frequently caused by residual impairments, including decreasing strength, poor sensory processing, balance issues, and cognitive gait inadequacies. Deficits in movement and balance can persist for years and are associated with a high fall rate (>6 months). Neuromuscular re-education by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation involves stimulating sensory receptors to provide feedback on incorrect movement and posture.

OBJECTIVE

To Identify the effects of PNF on Balance, Strength, cognition and ADL.

METHODS

32 participants in all were divided into Group A and Group B at random. Participants had to be 65 years of age or older, have a history of falls within the previous year, be able to walk independently, be willing to participate, and not have cardiovascular or respiratory disorders, chronic neurological conditions, hearing or speech impairment, acute orthopaedic conditions, or head injuries.

RESULTS

The results for both groups showed significant improvements from baseline to post-test analysis. When compared to one another, Group A shown more progress than Group B in BBS and Lower Limb Strength. No Statistically Significant changes were observed in the MMSE, KLE's Functional Scale, and Hand-Held Dynamometer for Upper Limb pre and post values, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the study, Exercises have shown to improve both the groups. PNF-based exercises improved Lower Limb strength and balance.