https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3066-3943
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Abstract
Purpose
This review was conducted to investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on spasticity post-stroke.
Materials and methods
PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, CINAHL, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, and Web of Science databases were searched until May 2020. The methodological quality was evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. Many inclusion and exclusion criteria of the studies were determined.
Results
Six studies were included in this systematic review. Three were pilot studies, clinical controlled trials (n = 2), and randomized controlled trials (n = 1). The scores on the PEDro scale ranged from two to five, with a median score of three. The findings of this study showed heterogeneous evidence on the benefits of the PNF intervention on spasticity post-stroke.
Conclusion
The evidence for the effect of the PNF on spasticity in patients with stroke was limited. Further strong clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Anas R. Alashram
Anas R. Alashram has a PhD in Physiotherapy. His research interests are neurorehabilitation post stroke, traumatic brain, and spinal cord injury.
Alia A. Alghwiri
Alia A. Alghwiri has a PhD in Physiotherapy. Her research interests are physiotherapy interventions in patients with neurological disorders.
Elvira Padua
Elvira Padua has a PhD in Open Rome University. His research interest is musculoskeletal system.
Giuseppe Annino
Giuseppe Annino has a PhD in University of Rome Tor Vergata. His research interest is musculoskeletal system.