• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.195-205
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stability techniques on walking speed, trunk stability, and balance in stroke patients. Methods: Ten stroke patients volunteered to participate in the study, and each of subjects was randomly assigned to either the stability technique (ST) group (n=5) or to the treadmill (TM) group (n=5). Each therapeutic exercise program was provided for 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The ST group performed a PNF pattern combined with stabilizing reversal and rhythmic stabilization of the PNF stability technique. Walking speed (measured using a 10-meter walking test), trunk stability (TIS), and balance (BBS, FRT) were evaluated before and after training. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. The significance level for statistical inspection was set at 0.05. Results: Both groups showed improvements on the 10-meter walking test, the trunk impairment scale, the Berg balance scale, and the functional reaching test. Conclusion: PNF stability techniques are effective for improving trunk stability, balance, and walking speed in stroke patients. For stroke patients, PNF stability techniques are very useful and effective, including in clinical practice.