Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal

Stroke patients need specific physiotherapy program which should be given as early as possible. Lesion volume may have a significant correlation with the functional outcome. So this study is aimed at designing the intervention that improves the functional outcome of the stroke patients in relation to the volume of the ischemic infarct in the brain.

To find correlation of lesion volume with functional outcome and effects of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) exercises in the improvement of functional outcome in the patients having MCA ischemic stroke.

The study is a randomized controlled pilot study. 20 subjects having first time ischemic MCA stroke were recruited and their lesion volumes were calculated from CT scan. Subjects were divided into two equal groups: experimental (gp. A) and control (gp. B). Experimental group were given PNF exercises and control group were given general exercises. Barthel Index and Fugl- Meyer scale were assessed before and after the intervention. Data was analyzed by using student t- test by SPSS version 16.0

There is negative correlation between lesion volume and Barthel Index; and between lesion volume and Fugl- Meyer scale. The correlation coefficient between lesion volume and Barthel Index for group A was r= -0.783 and p= 0.007 at p=0.05. The correlation coefficient between lesion volume and Fugl- Meyer scale was r= -0.959, p=0.000 at p=0.05. The correlation coefficient between lesion volume and Barthel Index for control group (B) is r= –0.801, p=.005 at p= 0.05 level of significance and between lesion volume and Fugl- Meyer scale is r= -0.604 and p=0.064 at p= 0.05 level of significance. Paired t-test was used to calculate effectiveness of PNF, t= 2.535, df = 9 and p= 0.032.

With increase in lesion volume there is decrease in BI and FM scores and vise- versa. The patients receiving PNF showed improvement in functional outcome more than control group.