The effect of pnf exercises on balance and fall risk in postmenopausal women

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of PNF on balance and fall risk in postmenopausal woman Materials and Methods: A total of 48 postmenopausal woman were included in the study and were randomly divided into two groups as PNF exercise (n = 24) and Frenkel exercise group (n = 24). Demographic data of the patients were recorded. İn experimental group, a total of 20 sessions, 5 sessions per week PNF exercise (dynamic stabilization, rhythmic stabilization, combination of isotonics and hold-relax in four hip) were applied for 3 weeks. In control group, Frenkel coordination exercises were administered in 20 sessions, 5 days a week in the form of home exercise program. Before and after treatment, muscle strength measurement by Jamar hand dynamometry, SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, FROP-Com (Falls Risk of Older People-Community Setting) fall risk assessment, functional reach test, one leg stand test, time up and go test, berg balance scale, static and dynamic evaluation with kinesthetic balance device values were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 22.00 package program developed for Windows. Normality test of numerical variables was checked by Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test. Chi-square test was used to compare the differences between categorical variables. In order to compare pre-treatment baseline data and percentage change scores (posttreatment value-pretreatment value / 100) of the two groups; Independent T Test was used for the analysis of numerical data showing normal distribution and Mann Whitney U Test was used for the analysis of non-normal distribution numerical data. Paired samples T Test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment values of numerical data showing normal distribution. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment values of non-normal and non-numerical data. The results were analyzed in 95% confidence interval and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The demographic characteristics of the groups such as age, education, BMI, smoking status, osteoporosis, history of falls in the last 6 months and falls in the last 12 months were similar. Among the clinical evaluation parameters, the sportkat dynamic balance score was higher in the PNF group and the SF-36 pain subgroup score was higher in the Frenkel group and all the other parameters (hand-grip muscle strength, Frop-COM, functional reach test, time up and go test, one leg stance test, berg balance scale, sportkat static balance scores and SF-36 all subgroup scores except pain subgroup) were similar. After the treatment; in the PNF group, there was a significant improvement in hand-grip muscle strength, Frop-COM, functional reach test, time up and go test, one leg stance test, berg balance scale, all SF-36 subgroup scores; in the Frenkel group, there was a significant improvement in hand-grip muscle strength, Frop-COM, functional reach test, time up and go test, berg balance scale and all SF-36 subgroup scores except mental health subgroup. There was significant improvement in one leg stance test, berg balance scale, SF-36 pain subgroup scores in favor of the PNF group. Conclusion: PNF and home-based Frenkel exercise programs, have important effects on balance parameters, risk of falling and SF-36 quality of life in postmenopausal women. We think that home-based Frenkel exercise program may be preferred more in terms of improving balance in postmenopausal women because it is cheaper and easier and requires less manpower.