Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Training on Balance, Gait, and Functional Independence in Individuals With Stroke
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training, Conventional Physiotherapy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Stroke, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. Basic parameters: 40 years — 80 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Rehabilitation on Balance, Gait Performance, Functional Independence, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study
Overview
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.
Detailed 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.
Interventions
- Other Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training
No drug or medical device is used as part of the intervention. The study involves only physiotherapy-based rehabilitation programs. A structured PNF-based exercise program targeting lower extremity motor function, balance, and gait performance. The intervention will include techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization applied using diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2). Exercises will be performed in functional positions (supine, - Other Conventional Physiotherapy
Standard physiotherapy exercises including balance training, gait training, and strengthening exercises for individuals with stroke.
Primary outcome measures
- Berg Balance Scale [Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (5)
- Timed Up and Go Test [Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks]
- Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (Lower Extremity) [Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks]
- 10-Meter Walk Test [Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks]
- 6-Minute Walk Test [Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks]
- Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale [Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
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
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07525115 · PNF-REHAB-STROKE-01