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

NCT07525115 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: PNF-REHAB-STROKE-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief 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 is commonly associated with impairments in motor control, balance, and walking ability, which negatively affect independence and daily functioning. In this randomized controlled trial, participants 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. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with stroke.

Conditions

Stroke; Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Keywords

Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation; Neurological Rehabilitation; Gait Physiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Berg Balance Scale

  The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item scale used to assess functional balance. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance performance.

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Timed Up and Go Test

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (Lower Extremity)

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• 10-Meter Walk Test

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• 6-Minute Walk Test

  Baseline and 8 weeks

• Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale

  Baseline and 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

PNF Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will receive a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program. The intervention will include specific PNF techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization aimed at improving balance, gait performance, and lower extremity motor control in individuals with stroke.

Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training

Conventional Physiotherapy Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on lower extremity strengthening, balance training, and functional mobility exercises commonly used in stroke rehabilitation.

Other: Conventional Physiotherapy

Interventions

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training OTHER

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.

PNF Training Group

Conventional Physiotherapy OTHER

Standard physiotherapy exercises including balance training, gait training, and strengthening exercises for individuals with stroke.

Conventional Physiotherapy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 40 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of stroke confirmed by a neurologist
• Age between 40 and 80 years
• Ability to walk with or without an assistive device
• Medically stable condition
• Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
• Other neurological disorders affecting mobility
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremity function
• Severe cardiovascular conditions contraindicating exercise
• Participation in another rehabilitation study

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Medipol University Hospital: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Central Study Contacts

Mehmet Salih Tan, Doctora

CONTACT

Türkiye; mstan@medipol.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: Due to the nature of the physiotherapy intervention, blinding of participants and therapists is not feasible.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Doctora

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to either a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) intervention group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy exercises. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 6, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: April 30, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 20, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 20, 2026
• Last Updated: April 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share