The Effects of PNF Stretching on Range of Motion, Strength, Balance and Postural Adaptations in Older Women with Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Approximately 30% of the elderly population (> 65 years) experience frequent falls which negatively impacts their physical well-being. This problem is even more pronounced in elderly women who exhibit chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. As a result, there is a continuous need for non-invasive programs aimed at the improvement of balance, flexibility and strength. The purpose of this research was to examine if proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitated (PNF) stretching exercises enhanced flexibility, sstrength, static balance, and postural adaptations in three elderly women with osteoarthritis in their lower extremities. Three females (M = 64.3, SD = 3.85) completed a pre-test, 12 stretching sessions (3 per week for four weeks), a post-test, and a retention test. Static balance in standing was measured on a force place and was inferred from center of pressure (COP) path length (cm) whereas COP sway area (cm2) was used to examine changes in postural adaptations. The flexibility was inferred from range of motion of the hip, knee, and ankle joints measured with a goniometer, whereas a sit to stand test was used to capture the changes in strength. Descriptive results showed that all three participants experienced an increase in strength, but even more importantly clinically relevant changes in ROM were evident in the majority of the muscle groups targeted. Static balance remained unaffected, but as expected, the ability to generate dynamic postural adaptations was enhanced, which may have an important impact on overall prevention of falling and staggering. Although the sample size was small, the findings appear to be robust across the participants thus confirming the usefulness of PNF stretching on different aspects of gross motor function in women with osteoarthritis. Sports Injuries & Medicine Przysucha E and Klarner T. Sports Injr Med: 5: 173. www.doi.org/10.29011/2576-9596.100073 www.gavinpublishers.com