Comparison of Effects of PNF Techniques and Perturbation Based Balance Training on Risk of Fall and Quality of Life in Elderly Population

Balance is very crucial component for living an independent life among older adults and performing their daily life activities independently. Balance control provides foundation to move and perform daily life functions.balance control deteriorates with age, and balance impairment is a major risk of fall among older adults. Fall may result in severe injuries, fracture, causing severe longstanding pain, low quality of life, disability or death. In older adults, falls most commonly result in many co-morbidities and mortality. The proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is greatly used technique as an intervention for neuromuscular dysfunction. By applying PNF technique, therapist can improve movement re-education.this technique help in improving muscle strengthening and stabilization. PNF technique uses reflexes of nervous system that help to relax a muscle.proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) promotes strengthening, motor learning and restoration of motor control in elderly individuals despite of neuromuscular and deficits.The Perturbation-based balance training comprises of some unpredictable, multi-directional dynamic-platform perturbations to elicit stepping and grasping reactions. The extent of perturbations is gradually improved over the period of program. The perturbation-based balance training program can help to improve or reverse impairments associated with older age in balance-recovery reactions. This program will greatly help in preventing falls, which may lead to improved health, enhanced mobility, more independence and high quality of life. Increased frequency of collisions are shown by older adults in swing phase and stance leg. Moreover, step length is also reduced and the frequency of multiple-step responses is increased. Older individuals rely more upon arm reactions to recover balance but the speed tends to decrease while initiation and execution of grasping reaction. And all reactions mentioned above are associated with increased risk of falling. The perturbation-based training program promote effective change in support program reactions that may help to reduce risk of falls and this training program should be part of fall prevention program and thus helping in improved quality of life