To Study the Effects of Butler’s Neuromobilisation and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Lower Limb Sensory Deficits in Chronic Stroke: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of functional impairments worldwide. Deficits in somatic sensations (body senses such as; touch, temperature, pain and proprioception) after stroke are common with high prevalence rates. Sensory deficits have been shown to predict poor functional outcome after stroke, including increased length of hospitalization, lower levels of discharge home, lower numbers of home discharges, and increased mortality rates. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Butler’s Neuromobilisation and PNF on lower limb sensory deficits in chronic stroke patients. 30 chronic stroke patients (minimum 3 months post stroke), 40–60 years of age, were randomly assigned to Butler’s Neuromobilisation and PNF Groups. Treatment sessions was kept equivalent for both the groups (30 min). Data were collected on Day 0, Day 45 and Day 90. ANOVA and Independent sample t-test were used for statistical interpretation. Analysis of scores showed significant improvements (p<0.05) overtime within the groups but inter group analysis did not show any statistical significance. Thus it can be inferred that both Butler’s Neuromobilisation and PNF are equally effective in improving lower limb sensory deficits in chronic stroke patients.

Keywords: Stroke, Butler’s Neuromobilisation, PNF, Thermesthesia, Pallesthesia, 2-point Discrimination