Abstract

Background. Our increasing knowledge on the complexity of CNS injuries and mechanisms of neuronal plasticity indicates that the traditional approach to rehabilitation of stroke patients is no longer adequate. Appropriate stimulation of the central nerv-ous system to promote neuromuscular plasticity is crucial for the restoration of normal function. Rehabilitation based on PNF (Pro-prioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) significantly improves ADL functional performance of post-stroke patients. Materiał and methods. A total of 64 stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups. ActMties of daily living were eval-uated by means of the ‘Repty’ Functional lndex, which includes: self-service, sphincter control, mobility locomotion and communi-cation. Throughout the study period (their stay at the Neurological Rehabilitation Ward for a mean of 21 days), all patients received comprehensive rehabilitation, with Group A receiving conventional rehabilitation and Group B receMng also indMdual kinesiother-apy based on the PNF method. Results. Analysis of yariance showed significant differences in the following domains of the ‘Repty’ Functional lndex: self-service (p=0.0015), locomotion (p=0.0279), and total score (p=0.0032). No significant differences were found in the remaining domains (sphincter control, mobility and communication). Conclusions. PNF-based rehabilitation of late post-stroke patients significantly improved their ADL functional performance with respect to self-service and locomotion.

Key words:

PNF, physiotherapy, activities of daily-living