Year: 2025 | Month: January-March | Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 184-189
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20250124
Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Proprioceptive Exercises Along with Core Stability on Pain and Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis
Vaibhavi Pawar1, Tejas Borkar2
1Intern, Dr, A.P.J Abdul Kalam College of Physiotherapy, PIMS-Du, Loni, India
2HOD, Pediatric Physiotherapy Department, Dr, A.P.J Abdul Kalam College of Physiotherapy, PIMS (DU), Loni, India
Corresponding Author: Vaibhavi Pawar
ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, predominantly affecting diarthrodial joints, with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) being the most studied and impactful. Aging, obesity, mechanical stress, and muscle weakness are key contributing factors. Traditional management strategies for KOA include pharmacological treatments, lifestyle modifications, and physiotherapy interventions. PNF stretching techniques, such as Contract-Relax and Hold-Relax, work by enhancing flexibility, muscle strength, and joint stability through a combination of passive and isometric contractions. Unlike conventional stretching, PNF stretching activates both the agonist and antagonist muscles, promoting better motor control and joint function. Incorporating PNF stretching into physiotherapy protocols has shown promising results in improving the range of motion (ROM), reducing pain, and enhancing functional mobility in KOA patients.
Methodology: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 50 participants in total were chosen. They were split into two groups: group A, which included proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching exercises and group B, which included exercises for proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching exercises with core stability. For a total of four weeks, Group A and B participants engaged in exercises for the four weeks. The timed up and go test, 30 sec chair stand test, WOMAC scale were used to evaluate both groups before and after the intervention.
Result: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching significantly improved knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients' functional performance, mobility, and pain levels, according to the study. With improvements in the 30-second chair stand test (8.08 ± 0.75 to 12.8 ± 1.25), TUG test (18.24 ± 1.26 to 13.32 ± 1.21), and WOMAC score (52.36 ± 5.28 to 48 ± 5.89), Group A (PNF) demonstrated improved strength, balance, and decreased pain. WOMAC: 52.16 ± 3.59 to 42.04 ± 3.68, TUG: 17.56 ± 1.73 to 13.04 ± 1.20, and chair stand: 11.16 ± 1.46 to 17.08 ± 1.60showed even bigger gains than Group B (PNF + core stability). According to the findings, PNF with core stability improves everyday function, decreases joint strain, and increases postural stability more efficiently than PNF.
Conclusion: According to the results, PNF stretching helps KOA patients move more freely, experience less pain, and perform better. PNF stretching and core stability exercises work best together because they improve biomechanics, strengthen the core muscles, and lessen knee joint strain. Better postural stability, easier daily tasks, and an improved quality of life are the results of these advancements.
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, PNF Stretching, Core Stability, Rehabilitation, Range of Motion, Postural Stability.