Research Protocol of NDT- Bobath and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Vs Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Alone, to Improve Trunk Control, Balance, and Gait Parameters in Post-Stroke Patients – A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The majority of stroke survivors suffer from a lifelong disability. Spasticity on the affected side and loss of balance are the common deficits mainly responsible for the impaired postural alignment, trunk control, and gait in stroke patients. Earlier studies have proven that Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is not much effective than Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT)- Bobath and Bobath is not effective alone to provide impressive results in stroke patients. Hence, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate the combined impact of both techniques and compare them to PNF alone in trunk control, balance, and gait parameters in stroke survivors.

Methods: Total 30 stroke patients will be recruited by the study by considering the inclusion criteria and They will be split into two equal groups, A and B. Group A will receive the combined therapy of PNF and NDT-Bobath and group B will be treated with the PNF alone. The study will be carried out for 6 months. Outcome measures that are The Berg Balance scale (BBS), Trunk impairment scale (TIS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Gait parameters will be utilised to evaluate stroke patients before and after the study.

Results: The expected result will show whether the combined therapy of NDT-Bobath and PNF can help you improve trunk control, balance, and gait in patients with stroke and will it be better than the PNF therapy alone.

Conclusion: If the study proves that NDT—Bobath and PNF is effective in enhancing trunk control, balance and gait parameters, it will be a valuable insight into the available literature and thus helps physiotherapists to choose the combined approach in future. If PNF alone proves to be effective then it will save the time and helps the physiotherapist to frame goals according to PNF alone.