Effect of PNF on Selective Motor Control and Balance in CP

A case study was conducted in 2021 to determine the effects of PNF training for improving lower limb coordination in 7 years old cerebral palsy child. After the intervention, significant improvement is seen in gait parameters, balance, and gross motor functional classification score.

A case report was conducted in 2020, to determine the effectiveness of PNF technique in improving lower extremity function in spastic diplegic cerebral palsied adolescent. Patient was treated with tone inhibitory and movement facilitatory techniques. There was significant change in balance and lower extremity function before and after the treatment.

There are multiple impairments in spastic cerebral palsy children; the inability to perform purposeful voluntary movements is a critical factor in determining functional ability of children. Since selective voluntary motor control is an important factor that must be achieved in cerebral palsy children, PNF may be considered as a technique to gain selective voluntary control and balance proving an important intervention for cerebral palsy children.

Inclusion criteria

• Children diagnosed as spastic diplegic cerebral palsy
• Age between 5-12 years and both genders.
• Gross motor function level II and III according to gross motor functional classification scale (GMFCS).
• Spasticity range between 1 and 1+ grade according to modified ashworth scale
• Children who are able to follow simple verbal instructions

Exclusion criteria

• Children with uncontrolled epilepsy
• Children who show no cooperation
• Children receiving botulinum toxin injections or surgery no earlier than 6 months before project starts.
• Subjects with presence of shortening or deformities of lower limb