Short-effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretching on excitability of soleus muscle in post-stroke hemiplegic patients using H reflex recruitment curve

Abstract

Introduction: Spasticity is a major disorder in patients with stroke and stretching is one of the most effective interventions for reducing spasticity. An stretching is an intervention that modulates muscle tone to maintain or increase soft tissue tension, reduce pain and improve performance. One of the most effective types of stretching is PNF stretching. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effect of PNF stretching on the excitability of motor neurons of Soleus muscle in patients with stroke using the H reflex recruitment curve. Materials and Methods: 20 patients with lower limb spasticity contributed in the study. PNF was performed on the Soleus muscle, then the recruitment curve of the H-reflex of the Soleus muscle was recorded immediately and 30 minutes after applying the technique. All stages were also performed on the other limb which were considered as control group. Results: The results showed that the mean in H/M slope was significantly decreased on both sides immediately and 30 minutes after technique. Decreasing in the H/M slope means the inhibition of the motoneurons following stretching. Conclusion: One PNF stretching session can reduce the excitability of motoneurons of the Soleus muscle.