Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques versus traditional prosthetic training for improving ambulatory function in transtibial amputees

Abstract

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques in comparison to traditional prosthetic training (TPT) in improving ambulatory function in transtibial amputees. Thirty study participants (19 men and 11 women) with unilateral transtibial amputation participated in the study. They were randomly allocated to either the traditional training group (i.e., TPT) (n = 15) or the PNF training group (n = 15). The treatment in the TPT group consisted of weight-bearing, weight-shifting, balance, and gait exercises for 30 minutes daily for 10 treatment sessions. In the PNF group, the same activities were performed by employing PNF principles and techniques. The outcome measures were gait parameters (e.g., stride width, step length, and stride length) and the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI). The between-group comparisons at the end of the trial showed that the PNF group showed significant improvement in gait parameters and in the LCI, compared to the TPT group (p < 0.05). The results of the study suggested that prosthetic training based on proprioceptive feedback is more effective than the traditional prosthetic programme in improving ambulatory function.

Keywords

• functional abilities
• proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
• prosthesis
• transtibial amputation