The Effectiveness of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Method on Gait Parameters in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review

Publication date: Available online 22 December 2018

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Author(s): Emer Gunning, Marcin Kacper Uszynski

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this paper is to review the current evidence on the effectiveness of PNF techniques on gait parameters in patients with stroke.

Data Sources

The electronic platforms of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PEDro were searched using the relevant search terms.

Study Selection

Intervention studies that had gait parameters as an outcome and, in which PNF techniques were used in a post stroke population, were reviewed. The studies were reviewed by both authors and a consensus was reached. The literature search identified 84 studies. Following screening, there were 5 studies which met the inclusion criteria for this review.

Data extraction

Data was extracted from the studies by both authors and independently reviewed. Methodological quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and for non-RCTs with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Data Synthesis

It was found that treatment using the PNF method led to a statistically significant improvement in gait outcome measures in patients with stroke in all the studies. Three of the studies also found that groups treated with PNF techniques had a significantly greater improvement in outcome measures than groups that received routine physiotherapy treatment.

Conclusions

Although some limitations were identified in the methodological quality of the studies, current research suggests that PNF is an effective treatment for the improvement of gait parameters in patients with stroke. Further research is needed to build a robust evidence base in this area.

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