Effects of the irradiation phenomena of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation method on the cerebrovascular accident on the lower limb: preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: The method by irradiation of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is not only restricted to agonist activation of muscles, but the counterparts and contralateral muscles. Objective: To evaluate the effect of irradiation in the activation of paretic muscles of lower limb, on balance and gait of individuals in post-stroke subacute phase. Methods: five subjects, evaluated before and after 12 sessions of intervention based on extensor pattern of the bilateral upper limb in various positions, through electromyography, Fulg-Meyer (FM) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Results: The evaluations of FM and DGI did not present significant differences. The anova factorial revealed that the independent variables task (p =, 00000), muscle (p =, 0016) and evaluation (p =, 01882) showed significant difference. Conclusion: Irradiation of the FNP method did not promote significant changes in balance and gait, but was shown to be effective in the activation of the lower limb muscles in these hemiparetic patients in recovery.