Folia Med Cracov. 2025 Sep 30;65(3):85-100. doi: 10.24425/fmc.2025.156686.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Population aging is associated with increased problems of physical and functional fitness in geriatric patients. Fitness constitutes a key element of independence and quality of life in elderly individuals. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) method is widely used in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation; however, there is a lack of research on its comprehensive application in elderly patients in hospital settings.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the PNF concept on independence in elderly individuals and to compare the effectiveness of the PNF method with general rehabilitation (GR) during a maximum 10-day hospital treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 80 randomly selected patients over 64 years of age hospitalized in the Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Patients were randomly divided into two 40-person groups: GR and PNF. Functional fitness assessment was conducted at the beginning of rehabilitation and after a maximum of 10 days of therapy or on the day of discharge. The following were used: ADL assessment, IADL, Up & Go test, SPPB test, balance assessment, gait speed measurement, 5-times sit-to-stand test, and NRS scale.
RESULTS: Patients rehabilitated according to the PNF concept achieved statistically significantly greater improvement in functional and physical fitness compared to the GR group.
CONCLUSIONS: The PNF method in elderly individuals allows for more effective achievement of the main goal of rehabilitation, which is reaching maximum patient independence.
PMID:41404686 | DOI:10.24425/fmc.2025.156686
