The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on pain, motor functions, fatigue and health related quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, single-blind study

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Yücekaya B., Kemer S. N., Asan E., Gerdan H., Çömük Balcı N., Çakır D., ...More

NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH, vol.47, no.7, pp.537-549, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 47 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/01616412.2025.2490086
  • Journal Name: NEUROLOGICAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS
  • Page Numbers: pp.537-549
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PNF on pain, motor function, fatigue, andquality of life in MS patients.

Method: A randomized, controlled, single-blind study was conducted. Forty-four patients wererandomly assigned to either the PNF Group (PNFG, n = 22, 16 female) or the Control Group (CG,n = 22, 16 female). PNFG underwent supervised combined aerobic and PNF training thriceweekly for 8 weeks, while CG followed a home exercise regimen. Various measures wereemployed, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test,Functional Reach Test (FRT), Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), FatigueImpact Scale (FIS), Dexterity Questionnaire-24 (DextQ-24) and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54).

Results: PNFG exhibited significant improvements in VAS (p = 0.000), FRT (p = 0.001), TUG(p = 0.000), 6-MWT (p = 0.000), FIS (p = 0.007), DextQ-24 (p = 0.033), MSQoL-54 scores (PhysicalHealth Composite, Mental Health Composite, p = 0.005, p = 0.002, respectively) (p < 0.05). CG alsoshowed improvements in VAS (p = 0.018), TUG (p = 0.000), 6-MWT (p = 0.000), FSS (p = 0.006),psychosocial function (p = 0.007), MSQoL-54 (Physical Health Composite, Mental HealthComposite, p = 0.017, p = 0.001, respectively), DextQ-24 ADL scores (p = 0.045) (p < 0.05). PNFGoutperformed CG in DextQ-24 (Dressing, p = 0.038) and MSQoL-54 subscales (emotional well-being, energy, health perception, p = 0.007, p = 0.037, p = 0.044, respectively) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This is the first randomized controlled trial to show that PNF improves upper limbmotor function (skill) and quality of life in MS patients. PNF and home physiotherapy effectivelyimproved pain, motor function, fatigue and quality of life, with the PNF group achieving betteroutcomes. Both modalities offered accessible rehabilitation options.