EFFECTIVENESS OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION EXERCISES IN DECREASING PAIN SEVERITY, INCREASING RANGE OF MOTION, BALANCE, PROPRIOCEPTION AND REGIONAL FUNCTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises in decreasing pain severity, increasing range of motion, balance, proprioception error and regional function in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 50 participants of both genders, aged between 18 to 50 years diagnosed as CNSLBP and are grouped into experimental (n=25) and control (n=25) group. After completing 3 weeks of interventions as per group allocation received either PNF or routine exercises. Pain severity, lumbar flexion range of motion, balance, proprioception and regional function were measured using numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), bubble inclinometer, balance postural sway system (BPSS), passive joint reposition sense (PJRS) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) before and after interventions. Results: Findings revealed that PNF exercises improved all outcomes significantly in experimental group than control group with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ranges 0.6 – 0.9). Specifically, the proprioception error improved significantly among participants who practiced PNF exercises alone with large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.9). The centre of pressure displacement in antero-posterior direction with eyes opened and closed improved both within and between group in experimental group alone (p <0.001). Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises given for 3 weeks were effective in decreasing pain severity, improve balance, proprioception and function compared to routine exercises in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.