PNF Versus Conventional Exercise in Sarcopenia

NCT07741786 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 135-135-09
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 34
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Sarcopenia is an age-related skeletal muscle disorder characterized by reduced muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance. It may lead to impaired balance, reduced mobility, falls, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Exercise is a central component of sarcopenia management; however, the additional effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises in older adults with sarcopenia remain unclear. This study compared proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based exercise with conventional exercise in adults aged 65 years or older with sarcopenia. A total of 34 participants were assigned to either a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group or a conventional exercise group. Both groups participated in supervised exercise sessions three times per week for 10 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. The conventional exercise program included lower-extremity strengthening, balance, functional mobility, sit-to-stand, gait, and stretching exercises. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group received the conventional exercise program together with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. Participants were evaluated at baseline, during the first month, and during the third month after initiation of the exercise program. Outcomes included balance, functional mobility, walking capacity, lower-extremity functional performance, stair performance, fear of falling, and depressive symptoms. Assessments included the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, stair ascent and descent test, Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale.

Conditions

Sarcopenia

Keywords

Sarcopenia; PNF exercises; Balance; Fear of falling; Resistance exercise

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Berg Balance Scale score

  Balance function was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale. Scores were measured at baseline, at the first-month assessment, and at the third-month assessment after initiation of the exercise program. Changes over time and differences between the groups were analyzed.

  Time Frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after initiation of the intervention

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Change in Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale score

  Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after initiation of the intervention

• Change in Timed Up and Go Test performance

  Time Frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after initiation of the intervention

• Change in 6-Minute Walk Test distance

  Time Frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after initiation of the intervention

• Change in Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test time

  Time Frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after initiation of the intervention

• Change in stair ascent and descent test time

  Time Frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after initiation of the intervention

Study Arms (2)

ARM 1 / Conventional Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group received a supervised conventional exercise program including lower-extremity strengthening, balance training, functional mobility exercises, sit-to-stand practice, gait exercises, and stretching. The exercise program was performed three days per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercise intensity and progression were individually adjusted according to each participant's functional capacity and clinical tolerance.

Behavioral: Conventional Exercise Program

ARM 2/Conventional Exercise Plus PNF Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group received the same supervised conventional exercise program together with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises. The PNF intervention included diagonal movement patterns, proprioceptive stimulation, coordinated neuromuscular activation, manual resistance, and task-oriented functional movement patterns. The combined exercise program was performed three days per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercise intensity and progression were individually adjusted according to each participant's functional capacity and clinical tolerance.

Behavioral: Conventional Exercise Program; Behavioral: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises

Interventions

Conventional Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

Participants received a supervised conventional exercise program including lower-extremity strengthening, balance training, functional mobility exercises, sit-to-stand practice, gait exercises, and stretching. The program was performed three days per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercise intensity and progression were individualized according to functional capacity and clinical tolerance.

ARM 1 / Conventional Exercise Group; ARM 2/Conventional Exercise Plus PNF Group

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises BEHAVIORAL

Participants received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises in addition to the conventional exercise program. The PNF intervention included diagonal movement patterns, proprioceptive stimulation, coordinated neuromuscular activation, manual resistance, and task-oriented functional movement patterns designed to improve postural control, balance, gait, and lower-extremity functional performance. The combined program was performed three days per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Also known as: PNF Exercises

ARM 2/Conventional Exercise Plus PNF Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 65 years or older.
• Diagnosis of sarcopenia according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria.
• Ability to participate safely in the prescribed exercise program.
• Completion of the baseline clinical assessment.
• Provision of written informed consent to participate in the study.

You may not qualify if:

• Parkinson's disease.
• Previous stroke.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Vestibular disorders or vertigo.
• Other major neurological diseases that could affect balance, gait, mobility, or physical performance.
• Severe musculoskeletal disorders that could independently affect balance, gait, mobility, or participation in exercise.
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease.
• Any medical condition that could preclude safe participation in the exercise program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uşak University: lead

Study Sites (2)

Facility Name: Uşak Training and Research Hospital

Uşak, Uşak, 64100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Usak Training and Research Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic

Uşak, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• • Pereira MP, Gonc¸alves M Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Improves Balance and Knee Extensors Strength of Older Fallers. International Scholarly Research Network ISRN Rehabilitation. Volume 2012, Article ID 402612, 7 pages

  BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcopenia

Interventions

Muscle Stretching Exercises

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. The conventional exercise group received a program including lower-extremity strengthening, balance training, functional mobility exercises, sit-to-stand practice, gait exercises, and stretching. The PNF group received the same conventional exercise program together with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. Both groups participated in supervised exercise sessions three times per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 28, 2026
• First Posted: August 3, 2026
• Study Start: February 12, 2022
• Primary Completion: July 15, 2022
• Study Completion: August 1, 2022
• Last Updated: August 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (2)