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PNF Versus Conventional Exercise in Sarcopenia

NCT07741786 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 34

Last updated 2026-08-03

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Sarcopenia is an age-related skeletal muscle disorder characterized by reduced muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance. It may lead to impaired balance, reduced mobility, falls, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Exercise is a central component of sarcopenia management; however, the additional effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises in older adults with sarcopenia remain unclear.

This study compared proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based exercise with conventional exercise in adults aged 65 years or older with sarcopenia. A total of 34 participants were assigned to either a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group or a conventional exercise group.

Both groups participated in supervised exercise sessions three times per week for 10 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. The conventional exercise program included lower-extremity strengthening, balance, functional mobility, sit-to-stand, gait, and stretching exercises. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group received the conventional exercise program together with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques.

Participants were evaluated at baseline, during the first month, and during the third month after initiation of the exercise program. Outcomes included balance, functional mobility, walking capacity, lower-extremity functional performance, stair performance, fear of falling, and depressive symptoms. Assessments included the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, stair ascent and descent test, Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale.

Conditions

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional Exercise Program

Participants received a supervised conventional exercise program including lower-extremity strengthening, balance training, functional mobility exercises, sit-to-stand practice, gait exercises, and stretching. The program was performed three days per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercise intensity and progression were individualized according to functional capacity and clinical tolerance.

BEHAVIORAL

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises

Participants received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises in addition to the conventional exercise program. The PNF intervention included diagonal movement patterns, proprioceptive stimulation, coordinated neuromuscular activation, manual resistance, and task-oriented functional movement patterns designed to improve postural control, balance, gait, and lower-extremity functional performance. The combined program was performed three days per week for 10 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Uşak University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2022-02-12
Primary Completion
2022-07-15
Completion
2022-08-01

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07741786 on ClinicalTrials.gov