Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Muscle Strength in Stroke Patients

Aims: Stroke is a localized and sudden neurological disorder in the brain that can decrease muscle strength. This study aimed to determine the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercises on the muscle strength of stroke patients. Materials Methods: This pre-post clinical trial with a randomized control group was conducted in 2017-2018. Patients with stroke were referred to the Neurology Department of Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Yasuj City, Iran. Sixty eligible stroke patients were selected through convenience sampling and assigned to intervention and control groups using random block allocation. Data were collected through a muscle strength questionnaire at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and four weeks after the last intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software, employing Wilcoxson and Mann-Whitney U. Findings: There was no statistically significant difference in muscle strength between the research samples before and immediately after the intervention. However, one month after the intervention, a statistically significant difference was reported between the two groups (p 0.05). The difference in the mean muscle strength was significant in the test group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Implementing proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques improves muscle strength in stroke patients.