NCT06539247

MRP Verses PNF on Pain, Foot Drop, Gait and Functional Mobility in Hemiplegic Patients.

Comparative Effects of Motor Relearning Approach Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique (PNF) on Pain, Foot Drop, Gait and Functional Mobility in Hemiplegic Patients

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 68 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Lahore · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 45 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This single blinded randomized control study aimed to determine the comparative effectiveness of two rehabilitation approaches for improving pain, foot drop, gait, and functional mobility in patients with hemiplegia. The study recruited 68 patients diagnosed with hemiplegia who met specific inclusion criteria. Both groups received a treatment program lasting eight weeks, with assessments at baseline, week four, and week eight. The study measured various outcomes as gait analysis, foot drop grading, functional ability and pain assessment. This study aimed to contribute to evidence-based practice in stroke rehabilitation by comparing the effectiveness of motor relearning and PNF approaches for improving gait, pain, and functional mobility in hemiplegic patients. The findings may help guide therapists in selecting the most appropriate intervention for individual patients.

Detailed description

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with hemiplegia (muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body) being a common consequence. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in improving gait, reducing pain and enhancing functional mobility for stroke patients. This study investigated the comparative effects of two rehabilitation approaches: Motor Relearning (MRP) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). Study Design: This was a randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups: Group A: Motor Relearning Approach with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Group B: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique (PNF) with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Randomization: Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either group using a lottery method to ensure balance between groups. Blinding: The assessor evaluating outcomes were blinded to group allocation (single-blinded). Intervention: Both groups received an eight-week intervention program with assessments at baseline, week four, and week eight. Each session lasted approximately 30 minutes. Group A (MRP with EMS): Participants performed motor relearning exercises targeting foot drop and gait patterns. EMS was integrated during specific exercises for targeted muscle activation. Group B (PNF with EMS): Participants received PNF techniques designed to improve neuromuscular facilitation for gait and foot clearance. EMS was used alongside PNF exercises to enhance muscle response. Outcome Measuring Tools: Primary Outcomes: Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for gait analysis and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) test for foot drop grading Secondary Outcomes: Motor Assessment Scale to measure of functional ability and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain assessment. Ethical Considerations: This study has received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data Analysis: Statistical software was used to analyze the data, with appropriate tests employed based on data normality to compare outcomes between groups.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Pain
• Gait, Drop Foot
• Foot Drop
• Hemiplegia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	Motor Relearning Program with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (MRA + EMS)	This arm received a 30-minute motor relearning program focused on improving foot drop and gait patterns and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) for Targeted Activation (10 minutes) with 40 mA (default) adaptive, considering both intensity and duration for safe foot lift during walking.
COMBINATION_PRODUCT	Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (PNF + EMS)	This arm received a 30-minute intervention combining Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques and EMS. The program consisted of: PNF Techniques for Neuromuscular Facilitation (20 minutes) and Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) for Muscle Response Enhancement (10 minutes): Similar to Arm 1, EMS applied to the affected ankle dorsiflexors for 10 minutes with the same parameters.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-01-28
• Primary completion: 2024-11-15
• Completion: 2024-12-17
• First posted: 2024-08-06
• Last updated: 2024-12-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan