Physical Functioning Improvements in Older Adults Following a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Based Resisted Exercise Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is an exercise concept designed to enhance physical functions such as gait and sit-to-stand (STS) ability and could be useful in older adults with functional impairment. This randomized clinical trial (NCT06690944) evaluated the effects of a PNF-based intervention, incorporating resisted STS and walking exercises, compared with a control group performing the same activities without manual resistance, on functional capacity in older individuals with limited physical functioning.

Methods: Twenty-five older adults (Mage: 80.4 ± 6.0 years) were randomized into the PNF group or the control group. The interventions involved eight sessions over 4 weeks for both PNF and control. Functional capacity was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery, habitual gait speed (GS), STS, timed up and go, and static balance tests. Strength was assessed by handgrip strength. Generalized estimating equations were applied to examine time, group, and Time × Group interaction effects, with statistical significance set at α = .05.

Results: Intention-to-treat analysis revealed significant Time × Group interactions for the Short Physical Performance Battery, GS, STS, and static balance (p < .05). The PNF group showed significant improvements in the Short Physical Performance Battery (Mchange = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [0.6, 3.2], p = .004), GS (Mchange = 0.20 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.05, 0.37], p = .012), and STS (Mchange = -7.8 s, 95% confidence interval [-14.9, -0.6], p = .033). In contrast, the control group demonstrated significant declines in GS and handgrip strength (p < .05).

Conclusions and implications: The PNF concept is a promising exercise intervention to improve physical functioning in older adults at high risk of disability.