Comparison of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques in the respiratory function of individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and neurodegenerative pathology, characterized by tremor, bradykinesia, stiffness and postural instability, through disease progression, of multifactorial character, the respiratory system presents dysfunctions. Objective: To compare the immediate effect of respiratory proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PF) and scapula and pelvis on the respiratory function of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Materials and methods: A randomized, simple, blind clinical trial was conducted at the Physiotherapy School of the Universidade Luterana do Brasil-ULBRA/Canoas, with a sample of 12 individuals, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. They signed the Free and Informed Consent Form and were evaluated through the Mini-examination of mental status (MMSE), the Hoehn and Yahr Modified scale, inspiratory capacity, peak expiratory flow and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Afterwards, they were allocated by lot to Group A (respiratory FNP) and Group B (scapular and pelvic FNP). Results: Respiratory FNP proved to be effective in the respiratory parameters evaluated, being statistically significant (p<0.05), as well as scapular and pelvis FNP for inspiratory capacity (p=0.041). The comparison between the two groups showed that respiratory PNP was more effective, although not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both techniques were effective in increasing inspiratory capacity, but the technique of respiratory PNF was also effective in increasing peak expiratory flow and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures.