Effects of Head and Neck pattern of PNF combined with conventional balance training in older adults with balance impairment - A Randomized control Trial

Background: Falls are a prevalent and serious concern among individuals in their older life. Residual impairments, such as balance and gait deficiencies, reduced sensory processing, and diminished strength, are the common causes of falls. Balance and mobility deficits can last for years and are linked to a high rate of falls (>6 months). Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is neuromuscular re-education in which sensory receptors are stimulated to provide information regarding body posture and movement. Objective: To identify the effects of Head and Neck Pattern of PNF combined with Conventional Balance training in elderly. Methods: A total of 40 subjects were randomly assigned to the Experimental Group (Group A) and the Control Group (Group B) (Group B). The following were the criteria for inclusion: Subjects aged 60-80 years old, of both genders, who had experienced one or more episodes of loss of balance in the previous 12 months, were ambulating independently, had a Mini-mental scale score of 24 or higher, and were ready to participate. Subjects with heart or lung disease, chronic neurological diseases, mental illness, an acute orthopaedic ailment, or a head injury were excluded. Results: Group A showed greater improvement when compared to Group B (p < 0.05) Comparison of Pre and Post values of FAB and CBMS showed significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study provides evidence that PNF Pattern based Exercises when combined with Conventional Balance Training is effective in training individuals with balance impairment.