Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Chest Expansion Exercises in Cerebral Palsy

Summary

Thoracic mobility is the mobility of the thoracic spine, and the rib cage is often measured by the degree of thorax expansion during breathing. Thoracic mobility is affected by many reasons, such as breathing mechanics, muscle stiffness, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor posture. The risk of respiratory illness should be assessed in all individuals with Cerebral palsy. Poor mobility of the thoracic will lead to limited breathing capacity and difficulty in daily life activities. Increasing thoracic mobility enhances dynamic alignment and functional movement. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) of upper extremity and chest expansion exercise can improve thoracic mobility. In this method, a physiotherapeutic approach is used in muscle strengthening, lengthening, and endurance training. The study aims to analyze the effect of an upper limb training program based on PNF techniques and chest expansion exercises on the thoracic mobility of a cerebral palsy patient.

Conditions

• Cerebral Palsy

Interventions

OTHER

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Group A will follow a PNF-based training protocol to enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination. The exercises include two main movement patterns: flexion-abduction-external rotation with the elbow extended and extension-adduction-internal rotation with the elbow extended. These patterns target the muscles around the shoulder and upper chest. A yellow Thera-Band adds light resistance, increasing muscle engagement. The protocol also employs the reversal of antagonists technique, alternating between opposing muscle groups for balanced development and improved coordination. Participants will complete three sets of ten repetitions per session, with a 60-second rest between sets. The program spans 12 weeks, with three weekly sessions, allowing for consistent progress and muscle recovery. This structured approach aims to improve functional mobility and the performance of activities involving similar movements, offering a comprehensive training strategy through PNF and resistance.

OTHER

Chest Expansion Exercises

Group B participants followed a breathing-coordinated exercise protocol using a yellow Thera-Band to improve upper extremity function. The protocol began with subjects breathing generally at rest. They were then instructed to synchronize their movements with their breathing: performing upper extremity flexion, abduction, and external rotation during inhalation, followed by extension, adduction, and internal rotation during exhalation. This coordination between breathing and movement aimed to enhance muscle activation and control. Each session included three trials of ten repetitions for each exercise, with a 1-minute rest between trials. The protocol was conducted three times per week over 12 weeks. This approach was designed to promote strength, flexibility, and coordination in the upper body while integrating breath control, which may also support relaxation and better movement efficiency. The structured schedule ensures consistent practice and gradual improvement over the 12 weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Naima Khalid, MS* · Riphah International Univerisity

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-09-26

Primary Completion

2024-12-15

Completion

2025-01-01

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations