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

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.