Application of the Concept of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Trunk Control in Patients Admitted to the ICU.

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): From its beginnings, PNF has successfully integrated many of the concepts of contemporary neurorehabilitation interventions. The Philosophy and Basic Principles of PNF, together with the specific spiral and diagonal patterns, make up the cornerstone of PNF. PNF also includes motor learning and functional retention of newly learned activities with the repetition of a specific demand; the use of the developmental progression of motor behavior that enables patients to create and re-create strategies of efficient functional movement; and the biomechanical and behavioral analysis of motor control. All activities within PNF intervention are directed towards a functional goal and are relative to the environment in which the goal is to be achieved.

Standard physiotherapy: This group will undergo conventional physiotherapy according to institutional protocol.

Study summary

Muscle weakness acquired in the ICU (FAUTI) is related to the functional decline of patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For better follow-up, scales such as (Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment) CPAx and (Medical Research Council) MRC help to identify early the muscle and functional impairment of these patients. Early mobilization aims to minimize these effects and therefore the search to reach the highest mobility milestone is constant bedside sitting (BSS) is an important milestone in recovery, associated with better functional results when there is good trunk control, as the coordinated activation of muscles in this region is essential for stabilization and reaching higher postures. The physiotherapeutic approach focused on the components of the activities and on the patient's participation is crucial, with the therapeutic option of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). To evaluate the effect of exercises based on the PNF concept through the Test Control Trunk (TCT) on the trunk balance of patients admitted to the ICU. This is a randomized, crossover clinical trial, carried out at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital from June 2026 to June 2027. Adults hospitalized for more than 48 hours who meet the inclusion criteria will be screened. and clinical evaluation. The study consists of two blocks of pre- and post-crossover evaluations, conducted by the same blind evaluator. Patients will undergo assessments on the first day of BSS, including assessment of the trunk with TCT and assessment of diaphragm mobility and thickness by ultrasound, before and after intervention (PNF or conventional exercises). Between assessments, there will be a 3-hour rest period.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Trunk Control — Day 1
  Trunk stability assessment will be performed on the first day of sitting at the bedside, both before and after treatment, for both groups. The Trunk Control Test (TCT) will be used. The TCT is a test used as a predictor of return to walking within 18 weeks, when the patient is able to obtain 50 points or more within 6 weeks. The test examines four simple aspects of trunk movement. The patient begins the test in the supine position, is asked to roll to both sides, then sit up from the lying position, and finally maintain a balanced position on the edge of the bed with their feet off the ground for a minimum of 30 seconds. In each aspect, the patient can receive a score of 0, 12, or 25. The total value is the sum of the four aspects evaluated, totaling 100 points. Regarding balance in the seated position, a score of 12 is considered when the patient needs to lean on something to maintain the position, and 0 when they are unable to maintain the posture (COLLIN; WADE, 1990).

Trial sites (1)

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