Effect of PNF and NDT Bobath Concepts in Improving Trunk Motor Control in Ischemic Stroke Patients – a Randomized Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Recently, in various systematic reviews and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, the efficacy of stroke rehabilitation interventions has been evaluated. Among them, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and neuro-developmental treatment (NDT) Bobath turned out to be effective and widely used therapeutic approaches. Objective of the work: The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of the PNF and NDT Bobath concepts for improvement of trunk motor control in patients after ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 30 patients up to 3 months after ischemic stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 study groups. Both groups consisted of 15 patients who underwent rehabilitation according to the PNF or NDT Bobath concept. Comparison of the changes in Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) was the primary outcome. Results: Analysis of values for the total TIS scale showed statistically significant improvement in both groups. Within-group analysis showed statistical significance among baseline and intermediate measurements, as well as for baseline and final measurements within both groups. Analysis of the total TIS scale indicators between the PNF and Bobath groups showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Both the PNF and Bobath concepts have proven to be effective in the treatment of posture control and significant improvement has been noted in patients from both groups.

Keywords

• NDT Bobath
• PNF
• stroke
• rehabilitation