NCT07525115

Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Training on Balance, Gait, and Functional Independence in Individuals With Stroke

The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Rehabilitation on Balance, Gait Performance, Functional Independence, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program on balance, gait performance, functional independence, and quality of life in individuals with stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and often results in impairments in motor control, balance, and walking ability, which negatively affect daily functioning and independence. In this randomized controlled study, participants diagnosed with stroke will be randomly assigned to either a PNF-based rehabilitation group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will focus on lower extremity PNF techniques to improve motor control, balance, and gait performance. Outcome measures will include balance, functional mobility, walking performance, activities of daily living, and stroke-specific quality of life. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving functional outcomes and quality of life in individuals with stroke.

Detailed description

This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program in individuals with stroke. Participants (n=40) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a PNF intervention group or a conventional physiotherapy control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence. The PNF group will receive a structured lower extremity rehabilitation program based on PNF principles. The intervention will include techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization, applied through diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2) in functional positions. The program will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to patient tolerance. The control group will receive conventional physiotherapy including range of motion exercises, strengthening, balance training, and gait training. Both groups will receive treatments of equal duration and frequency. The intervention period will last 8 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 times per week, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention by an assessor blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome will be balance performance, while secondary outcomes will include motor function, functional mobility, walking performance, and quality of life. Statistical analyses will be conducted to compare within-group and between-group differences over time, with significance set at p\<0.05.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training	No drug or medical device is used as part of the intervention. The study involves only physiotherapy-based rehabilitation programs. A structured PNF-based exercise program targeting lower extremity motor function, balance, and gait performance. The intervention will include techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization applied using diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2). Exercises will be performed in functional positions (supine, sitting, standing) and progressively adjusted according to patient tolerance.
OTHER	Conventional Physiotherapy	Standard physiotherapy exercises including balance training, gait training, and strengthening exercises for individuals with stroke.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-30
• Primary completion: 2026-06-20
• Completion: 2026-08-20
• First posted: 2026-04-13
• Last updated: 2026-04-17