Effects of Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Facilitation and Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of lower extremity Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises on balance, gait, and fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Method: Twenty-six MS patients (18 women, 8 men) were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups. The study group (n=13) underwent lower extremity Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercises, while the control group (n=13) underwent lower extremity strengthening exercise training three days a week for six weeks. Static balance, tandem stance test, dynamic balance, walking with the 4-step square test, walking with the 25-step test, and fatigue were assessed twice, before and after treatment, using the fatigue severity scale.