A Comparative Study to Analyse the Effectiveness of PNF Versus Balance Exercises in Parkinsonism Kamatchi K.1,*, Priya S.2, Senthilnathan C.V.3, Kumar G. Mohan4, Tharani G.5, Yuvarani G.6 1Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, 2Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, 3Professor, Principal, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, 4Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, 5Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, 6Assistant Professor, Faculty of physiotherapy, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, *Corresponding Author: Dr. K. Kamatchi, Assistant Professor, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Faculty of physiotherapy, Vellappanchavadi, Chennai-600077, e-mail: physiokamatchikaviraja@gmail.com
Online published on 31 March, 2020. Abstract Objective The aim of the study is to analyse the effectiveness of PNF techniques and balance exercises in Parkinsonism. Background Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects neurophysiologic function, movement abilities and quality of life (QOL). It commonly presents with postural instability, hypokinesia, rigidity and tremor. These symptoms decreases physical activity (PA) and increases time spent in sedentary behaviours. This inturn leads to a cycle of poor balance, muscle weakness, fear of falling and a sedentary life style. The background of the study is to find out the effectiveness of PNF techniques and balance exercises in Parkinsonism patients for the improvement of balance and improve the quality of life. Materials and Method Once the study is approved by institutional review board 30 patients both male and female were selected from clinically diagnosed parkinsonism. The study setting was in the Physiotherapy outpatient department of ACS Medical College and hospital, velappanchavadi, Chennai. The study includes patients with clear history of parkinsonism. Both male and female patients age group within 55–70 years. Subjects in the 1.5–3 HOEHN and YAHR stages. The study population excludes Dementia, Cardiovascular conditions, Musculoskeletal conditions, and subjects in the 4 & 5 stages of H & Y scale. The samples were fully explained about the benefits of participating in the study. They were asked to fill the consent form duly signed by the samples and therapist. Data regarding the balance were collected using berg balance scale and unified parkinsons's disease rating scale. Result Result of this study shows that both the PNF techniques and balance exercises is effective in improving balance. However PNF techniques was better than balance exercises in improving the balance among parkinson's diseased patients. Top Keywords PNF, Balance exercise, Hoehn and Yahr scale. Top |