Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) vs. task specific training in acute stroke: the effects on neuroplasticity
- MOJ Anatomy & Physiology
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Poonam Chaturvedi,1 Ajai Kumar Singh,1 Vandana Tiwari,2 Dinkar Kulshreshtha,1 Pradeep Kumar Maurya,1 Anup Kumar Thacker1
Department of Neurology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India - Ajai Kumar Singh, Department of Neurology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India
- Vandana Tiwari, Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India
- Dinkar Kulshreshtha, Department of Neurology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India
- Pradeep Kumar Maurya, Department of Neurology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India
- Anup Kumar Thacker, Department of Neurology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Abstract
Objectives:There are several approaches for rehabilitation of stroke patients. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Task Specific Training are the two approaches, known to promote motor learning and motor control. In this study we aim to compare both approaches on the basis of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in the serum before and after intervention and at 6 months.
Methods:90 subjects were recruited in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group 1 was given PNF exercises and group 2 was given task specific training. Both group received intervention 30 minutes twice daily, five days a week for four weeks.
Results:PNF group showed more improvement than task specific group. There was significant improvement in serum BDNF levels (p=.004), FMA scores (p=.003) at 4 weeks and at 6 months (S. BDNF p=.001, FMA p=<.05). Group 1 showed 53.02±34.14 points and group 2 showed 38.82±40.24 points, which is significant. There was 5.89±4.07 ng/ ml raise in S.BDNF in group 1 and 3.45±4.19ng/ml in group 2 from admission to 6 months. Results are showing more improvement in PNF group.
Conclusion:PNF exercises may effective in promoting neuroplasticity and functional activities. They are more effective if implemented as early as possible. On the basis of finding of our study PNF can be recommended as standardized approach of rehabilitation in acute stroke if the patient is able to follow the commands.
Keywords
acute stroke, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, task specific training, BDNF, fugl-meyer assessment, neurotrophic factor, signalling pathways, extremities, neuroplasticity, still lacking, neurophysiology, musculoskeletal, amputation, lower extremity, rhythmic initiation, repeated contraction
