Effect of PNF in Improving Lower Extremity Function in Adolescent with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy-A Case Report

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is a common non-Progressive neuromotor disorder which leads to various impairments and

disabilities. There are various treatment approaches in the management of children, adolescents and adults

with cerebral palsy. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is used to stimulate the neuromuscular

system in an effort to excite proprioceptors in order to produce a desired movement. Patient was 19 years

old boy with spastic diplegia. He was under physiotherapy treatment elsewhere for the past 10 years here

they were focussing more on passive movements and mat activities. Patient’s main concerns on approaching

us were difficulty to stand independently and walk. The important clinical findings were Grade 1+ Muscle

tone according to Modified Ashworth scale in bilateral adductors of hip, hamstring muscles and Bilateral

Calf muscles. Highest functional status was he can able to sit independently. Patient was initially treated

with tone inhibitory techniques and movement facilitatory techniques. Once the tone is normalized PNF

techniques mainly rhythmic stabilization and dynamic reversals were given for 12 weeks. Berg balance scale

and Gait parameters( Stride length, Cadence and Gait velocity) were taken before beginning of study and

after completion of 8 weeks. There were significant changes in Berg balance scale and Gait parameters. This

case report confirms that a goal oriented problem specific treatment approach can yield better outcomes even

in adolescents with cerebral palsy.