Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on posture, balance and gait characteristics of older adults with scapular dyskinesis: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques are being utilized among rehabilitation protocols for older adults because they are based on proprioception and coordination activities. The main purpose of this study was to analyze whether including scapular PNF in an intervention improves the posture, balance, and gait characteristics of older adults with scapular dyskinesis.

Methods: Forty-eight older adults (26 females; 22 males; mean ± SD age, 69.17 ± 4.36) with scapular dyskinesis were randomized into two groups: PNF and conventional exercise group (PNF+Ex) ( = 23) and conventional exercise group (Ex) ( = 25). Both groups received treatment three times a week for eight weeks and each session lasted 60 min. Outcome measurements included the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Walking Speed Test, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), and PostureScreen Mobile (PSM) iOS application, which were collected at baseline, after treatment, and three months after the last session.

Results: Both groups showed improvements in scapular dyskinesis, gait characteristics, and posture. When the two groups were compared, the PNF+Ex group had significantly different LSST results in three positions (0°, 45°, and 90°) ( < 0.000,  = 5.414,  = 11.440 and  = 31.234) and postural results for head tilt ( = 4.116,  = 0.045), vertical displacement of head ( = 5.790,  < 0.000) and shoulder tilt ( = 6.959,  < 0.008). There were no statistically significant differences in the improvement in balance and gait characteristics between the groups ( > 0.05).

Conclusion: Scapular PNF can be added to the rehabilitation of older adults with scapular dyskinesis to improve their scapular disposition and posture. A longer treatment duration is suggested to improve the gait and balance.