Effects of Core Strengthening With Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Trunk Control and Balance in Patients With Sub-acute Stroke

NCT07381491 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/21686
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 38
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of core stabilization with pelvic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on trunk control and balance which will be provided an evidence-based selection of the best possible intervention to improve trunk function and balance as compared to the trunk control exercises such as Rhythmic stabilization, Bridging, Side-Lying Trunk Lifts, Quadruped, Kneeling and modified plantigrade positioning, which one can provide the better balance and trunk control in sub-acute stroke patients.

Conditions

Stroke

Keywords

Stroke; PNF; Core Strengthening; Trunk control; Balance Impairment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Trunk Impairment Scale

  The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) is a 17-item clinical tool assessing stroke patients across three subscales-static sitting balance (0-7 points), dynamic sitting balance (0--10points), and trunk coordination (0-6 points)-totaling a maximum score of 23. Higher scores indicate better, more controlled, and coordinated trunk function, with evaluations performed in a seated position.

  • Baseline • After 6 weeks

• Berg Balance Scale

  Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is identified as the most commonly used as an evaluation tool in the stroke rehabilitation. We used the pre- and post-intervention scores of Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to evaluate the balance. Total score of berg balance scale is 56.Highest score shows the low fall risk and the lowest score shows the high fall risk.

  • Baseline • After 6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Experimental Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants who were included in this group got Pelvic Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques + core strengthening group + Trunk control exercises (Conventional treatment).

Other: Core stabilization exercises; Other: PNF; Other: Trunk control exercises

Control Group

OTHER

Participants in group 2 received Core stabilization exercises + Conventional trunk control exercises (Rhythmic stabilization, Bridging, Side-Lying Trunk Lifts, Quadruped, Kneeling and modified plantigrade positioning) exercises. 3 sets with 10 repetitions each, 3 sec rest between each repetition, 1 min rest after each set and 3 min rest between each exercise.

Other: Core stabilization exercises; Other: Trunk control exercises

Interventions

Core stabilization exercises OTHER

Core activated by Bio Feedback apparatus and participants were given instructions to do trunk curls in crook lying position. Asked to lift their upper trunk slightly (15 degree) from the plinth. 3 sets with 10 repetitions each, 3 sec rest between each repetition, 1 min rest after each set and 3 min rest between each exercise.

Control Group; Experimental Group

PNF OTHER

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques The sequence was rhythmic initiation, slow reversal then agonistic reversals. each technique was applied for 3 sets of 2 min duration each with 30 sec between each set and 2 min rest after each technique. A stopwatch was used to measure the time.

Experimental Group

Trunk control exercises OTHER

Trunk control exercises Different trunk exercises were performed by the participants to develop trunk control and balance. Rhythmic stabilization, Side-Lying Trunk Lifts, Bridging, Quadruped, Kneeling and modified plantigrade positioning, are the trunk exercises which were used conventionally to develop trunk control. 3 sets with 10 repetitions each, 3 sec rest between each repetition, 1 min rest after each set and 3 min rest between each exercise.

Control Group; Experimental Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 45 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Participants between the ages of 45 and 60 years.
• Sub-acute phase of unilateral ischemic stroke.
• More than two weeks but no more than six months were included.
• Participants should be able to walk with or without support for 2-4 min.
• Participants with modified Ashworth scale grade 1 or grade 2.
• Participants should be able to understand and follow simple verbal instructions (Mini-Mental Status Examination \[MMSE\]≥24).

You may not qualify if:

• Participants with recurrent stroke; brainstem or cerebellar stroke or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Participants with modified Ashworth scale grade ≥3 (severe spasticity).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Ghurki Trust & Teaching Hospital

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Study Officials

• NABEELA Dawood

  Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Talha Mumtaz, Doctor of Physical Therapy

CONTACT

03351736446; drtalhamumtaz@gmail.com

Nabeela Dawood, NMPT

CONTACT

03315337445; nabeelasafdar@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: This single-blind randomized controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of core stabilization combined with pelvic PNF on trunk control and balance in post-stroke individuals. Participants were blinded to group allocation to reduce expectation bias, while therapists and assessors were unblinded due to intervention requirements. The study aimed to address a gap in evidence regarding this combined approach and to support evidence-based stroke rehabilitation practices that enhance trunk function, balance, and functional independence.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 23, 2025
• First Posted: February 2, 2026
• Study Start: November 25, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 25, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 30, 2026
• Last Updated: February 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)