engleski

Effects of the PNF Technique on Increasing Functional Activities in Patients after an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

Introduction: Clinical features of spinal cord injury are described as part of neurological syndromes of commotion, complete and incomplete lesions. Paraplegia is a consequence of spinal injury in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral part of the spine characterized by partial (paraparesis) or complete loss of function below the level of injury. There are many secondary complications, and the most important ones are proprioceptive deficits and reduced balance that greatly reduce the participation of patients in their daily activities.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the ability of the PNF technique to increase the functional activity of a patient with incomplete spinal cord injury (TH11 - TH12) included in the PNF therapy for six months.Results: The problem the subject noted when taking the initial status was walking over longer distances and walking up the stairs. Functional abilities of the subject were evaluated by Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and Berg balance scale. Evaluation was performed prior to, in the middle of, and after the intervention. The subject was included in the PNF therapy twice a week for 45 minutes in a period of 6 months. There was an increase in the results of the Berg Balance Scale test as well as SCIM results in the area of the locomotion, specifically in the area of mobility in bed, mobility inside and outside the house at 10 meters to 100 meters distance and using the stairs.Conclusion: The results of this study show that the PNF technique might have a positive effect on increasing the functional abilities of subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury. However, further research is required with a larger number of subjects to make a final conclusion on the effect of the PNF technique on the functional abilities of persons with spinal cord injuries.

Spinal injuries ; PNF concept ; functional activities

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