Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Gait Speed and Lower Extremity Strength for Genu Recurvatum in Patient with Stroke: A Case Report

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed in a stroke patient with genu recurvatum.Methods: The subject was a 52-year-old female diagnosed with stroke.Information on health was collected through client Interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).The ICF was used to identify connections between functional problems, and for diagnosis, and functional problems were described using ICF terms.For prognostic purposes, comprehensive goals for functional activity and participation level are presented as long-and short-term goals.Intervention was performed using an exercise program composed of techniques and principles based on PNF concepts for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks.Gait speed and lower limb strength before to after intervention differences were used as study outcomes.Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function (3.6kg increase in knee extension strength, 1.4kg increase in knee flexion strength, 0.9kg increase in hip abduction).Gait speed, which was the patient's primary limitation, was improved by 0.2m/sec.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, application of the PNF concept would appear to improve gait speed and genu recurvatum in stroke patients.