Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the proprioception and balance of persons with osteoarthritis of the knee

Objective To explore any effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the proprioception and balance of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Forty patients with KOA were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), each of 20. The PNF techniques of isotonic combined contraction, and rhythmic stable and dynamic reversal were applied in the EG, while the CG received quadriceps muscle strength training. Knee proprioception was evaluated using knee angle reconstruction experiments, and balance ability was measured using the one leg standing test (OLS) and the five times sit to stand test (FTSST). Results The errors in active and passive knee angle reconstruction at 30°, 60° and 110° all improved significantly in the EG, but not in the CG. After the treatment, the OLS and FTSST results improved significantly in the EG, but only the OLS results improved significantly in the CG, not the FTSST times. Even so, the average OLS time in the EG was significantly longer than that of the CG after the training. Conclusion Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the proprioception and balance of persons with knee osteoarthritis. Key words: Osteoarthritis; Knees; Proprioception; Balance; Neuromuscular facilitation