PNF and Frenkel's Exercises for Postmenopausal Women
Condition: Postmenopausal Symptoms
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Postural stability is impaired due to the decrease in estrogen in the postmenopausal period,
      which may lead to disruption of balance and risk of falling. Our objective was to investigate
      the effects of PNF and Frenkel's exercises on balance, fall risk, and quality of life in
      postmenopausal women.

      Methods: Forty-eight postmenopausal women were randomized into PNF (n = 24) (5 days a week)
      and Frenkel (n = 24) (5 days a week as a home exercise program) exercise groups. Hand grip
      strength, quality of life (short form- 36), falling risk (Falls Risk of Older
      People-Community Setting [FROP-COM]), and balance (functional reach test [FRT], one - leg
      stand test [OLST], timed up and go test [TUG], and Berg balance scale [BBS]) of all patients
      were evaluated prior to treatment, and at 4th week follow-up. The treatment responses were
      evaluated at the beginning, and at the 4th week.
    

Detailed description: 
      In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PNF and Frenkel's exercises on balance,
      fall risk, and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

      Methods: Forty-eight postmenopausal women were randomized into PNF (n = 24) (5 days a week)
      and Frenkel (n = 24) (5 days a week as a home exercise program) exercise groups. Hand grip
      strength, quality of life (short form- 36), falling risk (Falls Risk of Older
      People-Community Setting [FROP-COM]), and balance (functional reach test [FRT], one - leg
      stand test [OLST], timed up and go test [TUG], and Berg balance scale [BBS]) of all patients
      were evaluated prior to treatment, and at 4th week follow-up. The treatment responses were
      evaluated at the beginning, and at the 4th week. A total of 13 patients (27.1%) had a history
      of falls in the last 6 months and 12 months. According to the intra-group assessment; there
      was a significant improvement in all parameters in PNF group (p<0.05). In Frenkel group,
      there was a significant improvement in all evaluations except the OLST (p=0.064), and the
      short form-36 mental health score (p=0.057). Among the groups; no significant difference was
      detected in terms of hand grip strength, FROP-COM, FRT and TUG scores (p > 0.05). The OLST
      and BBS scores was significantly higher in the PNF group (p=0.022, and p= 0.002,
      respectively). To conclude, PNF and Frenkel exercise programs had significant effects on
      balance parameters, risk of falling and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Frenkel home
      exercise program is cheaper, easier, and requires less manpower, therefore, we think that it
      may be more preferable in terms of improving balance and reducing fall risk in postmenopausal
      women.
    

Intervention name(s): PNF exercise; Frenkel exercise
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a form of neuromuscular retraining type containing the stimulation of sensory receptors to provide information about the body position and movement to facilitate the intended movement; The Frenkel exercises consist of a series of slow, repetitive movements performed in different positions while lying, sitting and standing.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: PNF exercise; Frenkel exercise