EFFECT OF THE PNF DYNAMIC SLOW REVERSAL TECHNIQUE VERSUS TREADMILL TRAINING IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Abstract

Objective: Effect of the pnf dynamic slow reversal technique versus treadmill training in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the body’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheath surrounding the axons of neurons in the brain, brain stem and spinal cord. MS is currently the most prevalent disabling neurologic disease of young adults in America. The onset of MS usually occurs between 20 and 50 years of age, with a peak at 30 years. MS is more common in women than men by a ratio 2:1.There is no large scale epidemiological studies from India on the incidence and prevalence of Multiple sclerosis. Based on hospital statistics a prevalence of approximately 1.33/100,000 was reported by Singhal et al in the mid-eighties from the west coast of India.

Study design: Experimental,

Methods: A total of 24 patients meeting the internal and external criteria were taken for the study. Mean values of their age was 38.20 ± years and assigned into two groups, A & B, each group consisting 12 patients.

Results: A total of 24 patients with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis were identified as potential participants for this study and randomly allocated either to the control group (Group A treadmill training) or experimental group(Group B) (Dynamic slow reversal PNF technique for lower limbs). My subjects for study included (15 women and 9 men), with 22 patients of Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 2 patients each with primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis respectively. The mean age of patients was 38.20± years. Each patient was given either dynamic slow reversal PNF technique alone (Group B) in addition regular physiotherapy program where Group A (Control group) patients were treated with treadmill training in addition regular physiotherapy program Mean improvements in Fatigue, balance and mobility recorded from baseline (Day 0) to the end of treatment (last day of 4^th week/12^th session) were all statistically significant.

Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques incorporate movement in the three planes of the body. According to the International PNF Association, the PNF approach is considered to be a conceptual approach. Some authors regard it as a method. The differences in considering the terms, concept and method become clear by the description of using components of the PNF approach and the clinical reasoning in making up a treatment strategy. Whether promoting flexibility, developing functional movement, developing muscular strength and endurance, improving joint stability, or increasing neuromuscular coordination and control, PNF technique ie. Dynamic slow reversal, as proven in this study, should be incorporated into the physical therapy setting as a valuable and efficacious component of rehabilitation for patients with multiple sclerosis.

Keywords: PNF technique, treadmill training, multiple sclerosis, rehabilitation.