PNF vs Pertubation Based Balance Training in Subacute Stroke Patients.

Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises Versus Perturbation-based Balance Training on Balance, Coordination and Proprioception in Subacute Stroke Patients

To determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises versus perturbation-based balance training on balance, coordination, and proprioception in subacute stroke patients, it will be a randomized clinical trial.

Stroke is the major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Stroke is defined as an abrupt neurological outburst caused by impaired perfusion through the blood vessels to the brain. Every year the number of strokes affected individuals are rising thereby putting an extra pressure on socioeconomic conditions in developing countries. Major complications of stroke include hemiplegia leading to upper limb dysfunction along with gait abnormalities. This study will be conducted to determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises versus perturbation-based balance training on balance, coordination, and proprioception in subacute stroke patients. The randomized clinical trial will be conducted, participants will be selected through Non probability convenience sampling technique and then randomly allocated into three treatment groups.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a therapeutic approach that uses cutaneous, proprioceptive and auditory input to produce functional improvement in motor output.

Perturbation-based balance training (also referred to as reactive balance training or perturbation training) utilizes a task-specific approach to balance training, applying repeated exposure to unpredictable mechanical perturbations that mimic balance disturbances experienced in daily life.

PNF involves both stretching and contracting (activation) of the muscle group being targeted in order to achieve maximum static flexibility, along with its D1&D2 flexion/extension patterns to improve dynamic flexibility and thus improving balance and coordination. total 8 weeks session was given to patients. 45 mins session/each day for 6 days a week.

Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is an emerging task-specific intervention that aims to improve reactive balance control after destabilizing perturbations in a safe and controlled environment. Pertubations are given by therapist in unexpected directions to challenge patients reactive balance. In this study pertubations will be given manually and on treadmill by a harness system. daily 45 mins of exercise session of pertuations divided into double leg foam roller, wobble board exercises and pertubations on treadmill were performed for total 8 weeks and 6 days a week.

proprioceptive neuromuscular exercises, pertubation based balance training along with conventional physiotherapy exercises were given for 8 weeks and 6 days per week for around 45 mins.

The Tinetti assessment tool is an easily administered task-oriented test that measures an older adult's gait and balance abilities. Equipment needed are Hard armless chair, Stopwatch or wristwatch and 15 ft walkway.it takes 10-15 minutes to administer. total score is 28 interpretation: 25-28 = low fall risk 19-24 = medium fall risk < 19 = high fall risk

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) is a widely used and recommended scale for evaluation of post-stroke motor impairment. It is designed to assess motor functioning, balance, sensation and joint functioning in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. The scale is comprised of five domains and there are 155 items in total

Inclusion Criteria: Age:40-70 years. Gender: Male and female The Subacute stroke patients, at least 3 months post stroke. Patients able to stand without support from upper limb. Patients able to perform 10 meter walk test. Exclusion Criteria: Neurological conditions other than stroke like Guillain barre syndrome, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, Parkinson's disease, Transverse Myelitis etc. Patients with not intact higher mental function and cognition. Patients with grade 3 arthritis and traumatic injuries like spinal cord injuries and TBIs Other chronic disabling pathologies, orthopedic injuries that could impair locomotion

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