Abstract
This case series described changes in motor outcomes across 4 cases of older adults (mean age – 64.75) with chronic stroke (>6 months) after implementation of a 6-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based program. Findings of this study were compared with a previously reported case. At baseline, all cases presented with motor impairments that increased their fall risk such as impaired balance, lower extremity strength, and mobility. Outcomes were measured using the Mini-BESTest, posturography, 5 times sit-to-stand test, upright motor control test, and 10-meter walk test. All cases completed 1 hour of therapy 3 times a week for 6 consecutive weeks at a university-based outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Positive outcomes in balance, strength, and mobility were seen in all cases. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can modify motor outcomes to decrease fall risk in older people with chronic stroke. Chronicity of stroke, age, and co-morbidities may influence the degree of improvements expected in these motor outcomes.
Footnotes
Disclosure. This work was supported by the University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health under the Student Researcher Grant 2014 (project number: NIH 2014-014).
- Received August 24, 2018.
- Accepted December 25, 2018.
- Copyright: © Neurosciences
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