earticle

영어

Purpose: This study seeks to determine the effect of a lower extremity strengthening exercise that uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the gait and balance ability of a stroke patient. Methods: In this case study, a lower extremity strengthening exercise that used PNF was performed by the subject for 30 minutes 4 times per week for a 4-week period alongside typical rehabilitation therapy. The lower extremity pattern used flexion-abduction-internal rotation with knee flexion, extension-abduction-internal rotation, bilateral leg extension pattern. The 10 m walk test and 6 minute walk test were used to assess gait ability. The Berg balance scale was used to assess balance ability. Results: After the intervention, the time for the 10 m walk test decreased by 5.72 sec, the distance for the 6 minute walk test decreased by 20 meters, and the score on the Berg balance scale improved by 7 points, which indicates the effectiveness of this therapy for stroke patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a lower extremity strengthening exercise using PNF can improve the gait ability and balance ability of stroke patients.