Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Pain, Hip Joint Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Objective: We aimed to identify the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on pain, hip range ofmotion, and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trialMethods: In total, 45 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into a conventional stretching group (n=22) and a PNF stretching group (n=23). Both interventions were performed three times per week for 6 weeks. Assessments were madeusing the visual analog scale, Flexion-Abduction-External Rotation test, modified Thomas test, prone hip extension test, andOswestry disability index before and after the 6-week intervention period. We conducted a paired t-test to compare thewithin-group findings before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to compare the between-group differences. The statistical significance level was set at α=0.05, for all variables. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability after theintervention (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed in pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability in patientsbelonging to the PNF stretching group (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the application of PNF stretching can effectively reduce pain and improve hiprange of motion and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.