Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 11 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 148-157
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260317
Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Pain, Range of Motion and Function in Participants with Post-Immobilization Hip Stiffness: An Experimental Study
Foram B. Chauhan1, Bhavika P. Gohel2
1MPT (Musculoskeletal conditions) C.U. Shah Physiotherapy College, Surendranagar, Gujarat.
2MPT(Sports), Associate Professor, C.U. Shah Physiotherapy College, Surendranagar, Gujarat, India.
Corresponding Author: Foram B. Chauhan
ABSTRACT
Introduction: After a fracture, scar tissue and adhesions can form inside and around joints, causing stiffness. Restoring joint flexibility and rebuilding strength in the affected muscles is essential. Many people experience hip stiffness following a period of immobilization, which limits mobility and daily function. This study examines whether Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching can reduce pain and improve range of motion and functional ability in individuals with hip stiffness.
Objectives: To evaluate the difference between the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching along with conventional physical therapy and conventional physical therapy alone on pain, range of motion and function in participants with post immobilization hip stiffness.
Material & method: A 4-week intervention study, 30 patients following post-immobilization hip stiffness were enrolled. They were divided into two groups by convenience sampling, Group A: (n=15):PNF (hold relax) stretching along with conventional physical therapy. Group B: (n=15) conventional physical therapy. Treatment consisted of 5 sessions/week for 4 weeks. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS 26.
Result: In a 4-week study, Group A received PNF along with conventional physical therapy, exhibiting significant pain reduction (p=0.000), increased hip range of motion (p=0.004), and improved function (p=0.000). Group B, received conventional physical therapy, also experienced improvements. Intergroup analysis favored Group A, indicating its superior effects on pain, hip ROM, and function as compared to Group B.
Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching along with conventional physical therapy is more effective in reducing pain, improving range of motion & function in participants with post-immobilization hip stiffness than conventional physical therapy alone.
Keywords: Post-immobilization hip stiffness, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretching, pain, range of motion, LEFS