Effect of a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) protocol on the postural balance of older women

ABSTRACT Aging causes morphological, functional and biochemical changes. Feet are affected in this process, which impairs the functional balance and increases the risk of falls. To reduce such effects, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) can be used, because it improves perfusion, strength and coordination of lower limbs. Objective: To evaluate the effects of PNF on balance in older adults. Method: This is a longitudinal and quantitative study, from a public hospital in Teresina-Piauí. Twenty women aged from 65 to 80 years were submitted to a PNF protocol. Baropodometry (total, forefoot and hindfoot areas) was measured in static (no perturbation) and dynamic (with perturbation) conditions. Timed Up and Go (TUG) and functional reach were also tested. No differences were found in forefoot when the areas before and after intervention were compared. However, the area decreased after the exercises in static (hindfoot before: 150.85cm² and after: 147.40cm²; p=0.0593) and dynamic assessments (hindfoot before: 154.30cm² and after: 151.40cm²; p=0.0783). TUG decreased from 10.75s to 8.23s (p