Effects of core strengthening and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on the Barthel index and balance in patients with hemiplegic stroke –a quasi-experimental study

• Published in: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 2023-11, Vol.73 (11), p.2153-11
• Main Authors: Yousaf, Qandeel, Noor, Rabiya, Ghafoor, Imran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdomen; Activities of daily living; Activity of daily living; Barthel Index; Berg Balance Scale; Care and treatment; Causes of; Complications and side effects; Core strengthening; Hemiplegia; Management; Methods; Muscles; Patient outcomes; Physical therapy; Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; Strengthening exercises; Stretching exercises; Stroke; Stroke (Disease); Therapeutics, Physiological
• ISSN: 0030-9982
• DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.7903

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of core strengthening exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on functional performance and balance among patients with haemiplegic stroke. Method: The quasi-experimental study was conducted from March to August 2021 at Imran Idrees Hospital, Sialkot, Pakistan, and comprised stroke patients of either gender who were divided into proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group A and core strengthening group B. In both groups, the treatment was given for 6 weeks with 5 30-minute sessions per week. Functional performance and balance were measured using Barthel Index and Berg Balance Scale. Data were collected at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 48 patients, 24(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. There were 39(81.25%) male and 9(18.75%) female subjects with an overall mean age of 45±4.919 years. Mean Barthel Index score in group A was 62.50±7.22 at baseline and 74.79±7.14 after 6 weeks. Mean Berg Balance Score was 25.04±2.15 at baseline and 41.66±6.04 after 6 weeks (p