StrokePNF-STROKENCT07525115
Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Training on Balance, Gait, and Functional Independence in Individuals With Stroke
A study testing Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Stroke and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to investigate the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program on balance, gait performance, functional independence, and quality of life in individuals with stroke. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Stroke, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
- What is being tested?
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training and Conventional Physiotherapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 30 Apr 2026to 20 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 40 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of stroke confirmed by a neurologist
- Age between 40 and 80 years
- Ability to walk with or without an assistive device
- Medically stable condition
- Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions
- Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
- Other neurological disorders affecting mobility
- Severe musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremity function
- Severe cardiovascular conditions contraindicating exercise
- Participation in another rehabilitation study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Rehabilitation on Balance, Gait Performance, Functional Independence, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study
This study aims to investigate the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program on balance, gait performance, functional independence, and quality of life in individuals with stroke.
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and is commonly associated with impairments in motor control, balance, and walking ability, which negatively affect independence and daily functioning.
Read more
In this randomized controlled trial, participants with stroke will be randomly assigned to either a PNF-based rehabilitation group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will focus on lower extremity PNF techniques to improve motor control, balance, and gait performance.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period.
The findings are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with stroke.
Read the detailed description
This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial to evaluate a PNF-based lower extremity rehabilitation program in individuals with stroke.
A total of 60 participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group or a control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence.
The intervention group will receive a structured rehabilitation program based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation principles. The program will incorporate techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization. These techniques will be applied through lower extremity diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2) in functional positions including supine, sitting, and standing. The intervention will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to participant performance and tolerance.
The control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening, balance training, and gait-related activities consistent with standard rehabilitation practice.
Both groups will receive interventions with equivalent duration and frequency.
Outcome assessments will be performed by an independent assessor who is blinded to group allocation.
Statistical analyses will be conducted to evaluate changes over time and differences between groups.
- Conditions
- Stroke, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
- Being tested
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training, Conventional Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Neurological Rehabilitation, Gait Physiotherapy
- Medical subject headings
- Stroke
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation TrainingOther
No drug or medical device is used as part of the intervention. The study involves only physiotherapy-based rehabilitation programs.
A structured PNF-based exercise program targeting lower extremity motor function, balance, and gait performance. The intervention will include techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization applied using diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2). Exercises will be performed in functional positions (supine, sitting, standing) and progressively adjusted according to patient tolerance.
Conventional PhysiotherapyOther
Standard physiotherapy exercises including balance training, gait training, and strengthening exercises for individuals with stroke.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| PNF Training Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program. The intervention will include specific PNF techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization aimed at improving balance, gait performance, and lower extremity motor control in individuals with stroke. Receives: Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training |
| Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Participants in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on lower extremity strengthening, balance training, and functional mobility exercises commonly used in stroke rehabilitation. Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item scale used to assess functional balance. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance performance.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Timed Up and Go Test
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) measures functional mobility and dynamic balance. It records the time (in seconds) required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down. Lower values indicate better performance.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (Lower Extremity)
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (Lower Extremity section) evaluates motor recovery after stroke. Scores range from 0 to 34, with higher scores indicating better motor function.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
10-Meter Walk Test
The 10-Meter Walk Test assesses walking speed (m/s). Higher walking speed indicates better gait performance.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
6-Minute Walk Test
The 6-Minute Walk Test measures walking endurance and functional exercise capacity as the total distance walked in meters. Higher values indicate better performance.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale
The Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) evaluates health-related quality of life. Scores range from 49 to 245, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2026
- Study start30 Apr 2026
- Primary completion20 Jun 2026
- Study completion20 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StrokeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to either a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) intervention group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy exercises. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, salih tan, Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07525115
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PNF-REHAB-STROKE-01
- Acronym
- PNF-STROKE
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: ndividual participant data (IPD) from this study will not be shared with other researchers. The study data will be used only for academic purposes within the study team, and all personal identifiers will be anonymized and kept confidential in accordance with ethical regulations.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Lower Extremity Rehabilitation on Balance, Gait Performance, Functional Independence, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07525115
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PNF-STROKE / PNF-REHAB-STROKE-01
- Conditions
- Stroke, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
- Keywords
- Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Neurological Rehabilitation, Gait Physiotherapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to investigate the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program on balance, gait performance, functional independence, and quality of life in individuals with stroke.
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and is commonly associated with impairments in motor control, balance, and walking ability, which negatively affect independence and daily functioning.
In this randomized controlled trial, participants with stroke will be randomly assigned to either a PNF-based rehabilitation group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will focus on lower extremity PNF techniques to improve motor control, balance, and gait performance.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period.
The findings are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with stroke.
Detailed description
This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial to evaluate a PNF-based lower extremity rehabilitation program in individuals with stroke.
A total of 60 participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group or a control group using a computer-generated randomization sequence.
The intervention group will receive a structured rehabilitation program based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation principles. The program will incorporate techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization. These techniques will be applied through lower extremity diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2) in functional positions including supine, sitting, and standing. The intervention will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to participant performance and tolerance.
The control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening, balance training, and gait-related activities consistent with standard rehabilitation practice.
Both groups will receive interventions with equivalent duration and frequency.
Outcome assessments will be performed by an independent assessor who is blinded to group allocation.
Statistical analyses will be conducted to evaluate changes over time and differences between groups.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned to either a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) intervention group or a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy exercises. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| PNF Training Group | Experimental | Other: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation TrainingParticipants in this group will receive a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based lower extremity rehabilitation program. The intervention will include specific PNF techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization aimed at improving balance, gait performance, and lower extremity motor control in individuals with stroke. |
| Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Other: Conventional PhysiotherapyParticipants in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on lower extremity strengthening, balance training, and functional mobility exercises commonly used in stroke rehabilitation. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Diagnosis of stroke confirmed by a neurologist
- Age between 40 and 80 years
- Ability to walk with or without an assistive device
- Medically stable condition
- Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
- Other neurological disorders affecting mobility
- Severe musculoskeletal disorders affecting lower extremity function
- Severe cardiovascular conditions contraindicating exercise
- Participation in another rehabilitation study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation TrainingNo drug or medical device is used as part of the intervention. The study involves only physiotherapy-based rehabilitation programs. A structured PNF-based exercise program targeting lower extremity motor function, balance, and gait performance. The intervention will include techniques such as rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, stabilizing reversals, and rhythmic stabilization applied using diagonal movement patterns (D1 and D2). Exercises will be performed in functional positions (supine, sitting, standing) and progressively adjusted according to patient tolerance. | Other | PNF Training Group |
| Conventional PhysiotherapyStandard physiotherapy exercises including balance training, gait training, and strengthening exercises for individuals with stroke. | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy Group |
Primary outcome
Berg Balance Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item scale used to assess functional balance. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a total score ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate better balance performance.
5 secondary outcomes
Timed Up and Go Test
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (Lower Extremity)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
10-Meter Walk Test
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
6-Minute Walk Test
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. ndividual participant data (IPD) from this study will not be shared with other researchers. The study data will be used only for academic purposes within the study team, and all personal identifiers will be anonymized and kept confidential in accordance with ethical regulations.
Related trials for Stroke
Not yet recruiting
Temporal Interference Stimulation for Upper-Limb Motor Recovery in Early Subacute Stroke
Acute Ischemic Stroke
RecruitingObservational study
ELATE Study: Evaluating Large-vessel Acute Thrombectomy in Extended Time Window
Acute Ichemic Stroke
Recruiting
Web-Based Tele-Rehabilitation Using Action Observation and Mirror Therapy for Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Stroke, Upper Extremity Paresis
Recruiting
Early Motor-Cognitive Integrative Training on Cognitive and Motor Performance in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid Aneurysm Hemorrhage
Not yet recruiting
Selective Intra-Arterial Hypothermia After Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Acute Ischemic Stroke, Basilar Artery Occlusion
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Stroke and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Berg Balance Scale (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 6 Nov 2026.