PNF and Frenkel's Exercises for Postmenopausal Women

Hilal Yeşil

Status: Completed

Conditions: Postmenopausal Symptoms

Treatments: Other: Frenkel exercise; Other: PNF exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04266067

HYSS2019

Details and patient eligibility

About

Postural stability is impaired due to the decrease in estrogen in the postmenopausal period, which may lead to disruption of balance and risk of falling. Our objective was to investigate the effects of PNF and Frenkel's exercises on balance, fall risk, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Forty-eight postmenopausal women were randomized into PNF (n = 24) (5 days a week) and Frenkel (n = 24) (5 days a week as a home exercise program) exercise groups. Hand grip strength, quality of life (short form- 36), falling risk (Falls Risk of Older People-Community Setting [FROP-COM]), and balance (functional reach test [FRT], one - leg stand test [OLST], timed up and go test [TUG], and Berg balance scale [BBS]) of all patients were evaluated prior to treatment, and at 4th week follow-up. The treatment responses were evaluated at the beginning, and at the 4th week.

Full description

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PNF and Frenkel's exercises on balance, fall risk, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Forty-eight postmenopausal women were randomized into PNF (n = 24) (5 days a week) and Frenkel (n = 24) (5 days a week as a home exercise program) exercise groups. Hand grip strength, quality of life (short form- 36), falling risk (Falls Risk of Older People-Community Setting [FROP-COM]), and balance (functional reach test [FRT], one - leg stand test [OLST], timed up and go test [TUG], and Berg balance scale [BBS]) of all patients were evaluated prior to treatment, and at 4th week follow-up. The treatment responses were evaluated at the beginning, and at the 4th week. A total of 13 patients (27.1%) had a history of falls in the last 6 months and 12 months. According to the intra-group assessment; there was a significant improvement in all parameters in PNF group (p<0.05). In Frenkel group, there was a significant improvement in all evaluations except the OLST (p=0.064), and the short form-36 mental health score (p=0.057). Among the groups; no significant difference was detected in terms of hand grip strength, FROP-COM, FRT and TUG scores (p > 0.05). The OLST and BBS scores was significantly higher in the PNF group (p=0.022, and p= 0.002, respectively). To conclude, PNF and Frenkel exercise programs had significant effects on balance parameters, risk of falling and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Frenkel home exercise program is cheaper, easier, and requires less manpower, therefore, we think that it may be more preferable in terms of improving balance and reducing fall risk in postmenopausal women.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 50 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Postmenopausal women aged between 50-80 years who can walk independently were included in the study

Exclusion criteria

• 1. Having diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, 2. The presence of plantar ulcers, 3. Presence of coronary artery disease, 4. Presence of peripheral vascular disease, 5. Presence of vision disorders, 6. Having a history of use of assistive walking device, 7. Presence of severe neurological, muscular or rheumatologic disease, 8. History of alcohol use, 9. Having lower limb amputation, 10. Presence of dementia, 11. Having a malignancy history, 12. Having a hearing problem, 13. Using a drug affecting balance, 14. Patients included in regular exercise program, and 15. Presence of neurological diseases affecting balance (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, etc.).

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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48 participants in 2 patient groups

PNF exercise

Active Comparator group

Description:

In the PNF exercise group; exercises were performed in company with a physiotherapist 5 days a week (30 minutes ) for 4 weeks. Five specific techniques were applied to the patients: dynamic stabilization, rhythmic stabilization, combined isotonic contractions, and hold-relax active motion

Treatment:

Other: PNF exercise

Frenkel exercise

Active Comparator group

Description:

In the Frenkel exercise group, Frenkel coordination exercises were given in home exercise program 5 days a week for 4 weeks.The physiotherapist demonstrated Frenkel exercises to them once.

Treatment:

Other: Frenkel exercise