Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Training on Balance, Gait, and Functional Independence in Individuals With Stroke (PNF-STROKE)

Medipol Health Group

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation; Stroke

Treatments: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy; Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07525115

PNF-REHAB-STROKE-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to investigate the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program on balance, gait performance, functional independence, and quality of life in individuals with stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and is commonly associated with impairments in motor control, balance, and walking ability, which negatively affect independence and daily functioning.

In this randomized controlled trial, participants with stroke will be randomly assigned to either a PNF-based rehabilitation group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will focus on lower extremity PNF techniques to improve motor control, balance, and gait performance.

Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period.

The findings are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with stroke.

Full description

This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial to evaluate a PNF-based lower extremity rehabilitation program in individuals with stroke.

A total of 60 participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group or a control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence.

The intervention group will receive a structured rehabilitation program based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation principles. The program will incorporate techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization. These techniques will be applied through lower extremity diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2) in functional positions including supine, sitting, and standing. The intervention will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to participant performance and tolerance.

The control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening, balance training, and gait-related activities consistent with standard rehabilitation practice.

Both groups will receive interventions with equivalent duration and frequency.

Outcome assessments will be performed by an independent assessor who is blinded to group allocation.

Statistical analyses will be conducted to evaluate changes over time and differences between groups.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 40 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of stroke confirmed by a neurologist
• Age between 40 and 80 years
• Ability to walk with or without an assistive device
• Medically stable condition
• Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
• Other neurological disorders affecting mobility
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremity function
• Severe cardiovascular conditions contraindicating exercise
• Participation in another rehabilitation study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

PNF Training Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program. The intervention will include specific PNF techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization aimed at improving balance, gait performance, and lower extremity motor control in individuals with stroke.

Treatment:

Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training

Conventional Physiotherapy Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on lower extremity strengthening, balance training, and functional mobility exercises commonly used in stroke rehabilitation.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Physiotherapy