Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on components of functional physical activity in patients with Parkinson’s disease

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the balance and gait required for functional activities in patients with Parkinson's disease. 16 patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and a control group receiving functional electrical stimulation. BBS, POMA, and TUG were used before and after intervention to evaluate balance and walking ability required for functional activities of patients. In the study results, all groups showed a significant increase in intra-group evaluation using BBS, POMA, and TUG, and in the analysis to investigate the difference in treatment effect between groups, there was a significant difference in POMA and TUG in the experimental group compared to the control group. In conclusion, the intervention method using PNF has a positive effect on the functional activity of Parkinson's patients.