The Effects of Trunk Stability Exercise Using PNF on the Functional Reach Test and Muscle Activities of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the effects of trunk stability exercise using the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on stroke patients' muscle activation and their results in the functional reach test (FRT). [Subjects] Adult hemiplegia patients (n=40) were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group and a control group. [Methods] The experimental group performed a trunk stability exercise using the PNF, while the control group performed only a general exercise program for 6 weeks (5 times a week). Pre- and post-experiment measurements were made of the FRT. For measuring muscle activation, the quadriceps, hamstring, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscles were recorded by electromyography (EMG) in the FRT. [Results] The results of this study show that after performing the therapeutic exercise program, the experimental group showed significant improvements in FRT, activities of quadriceps, hamstring, and soleus muscles on the affected side, and activities of the quadriceps, and soleus muscles on the non-affected side, the control group showed significant improvements only in activities of the quadriceps, and soleus muscles on the non-affected side. [Conclusion] These results indicate that trunk stabilizing exercises using PNF performed by stroke patients were effective at improving FRT and the muscle activities of the soleus and quadriceps.