Effects of Early Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Functional Outcome and Quality of Life in Patients with Stroke

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises on functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) in patients with acute stroke. Materials and methods:Ninety patients were recruited in this study and divided into two groups: Patients admitted within 48 hours after stroke (group I, n = 41) and patients referred from elsewhere after 2 to 3 weeks (group II, n = 49). Both groups were given PNF exercises for 4 weeks. Functional outcome was assessed by Barthel Index (BI), and QoL was assessed by Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL) scale before and after the intervention. Patients were followed up in the outpatient department of the Department of Neurology at 1, 3, and 6 months and BI and SSQOL scores were again assessed.Results: Group I showed significant and better recovery in functional activities (p < 0.05) and better QoL as compared with group II (p < 0.05). We also compared functional outcome and QoL in ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke (p = 0.284) and left vs right stroke (p = 0.973) and found there was no significant difference.Conclusion: Improvement in activities of daily living may result in better QoL. The PNF exercises are very effective in improving muscle tone, functional outcome, and QoL. The PNF exercises should be given from the first day after stroke.