Pelvic Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Improves Pain & Mobility in Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The effect of pelvic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction: A randomized controlled study.
J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil . 2025 Mar;38(2):229-240.Forty patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) were randomized to receive pelvic proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques plus patient education and home lumbar stabilization (n=20) or patient education with home lumbar stabilization alone (n=20). The primary outcome of interest was pain (10-cm VAS). Secondary outcomes included spinal mobility (Modified Schober), flexibility (sit-and-reach), lumbar range of motion (goniometer: flexion/extension/lateral flexion/rotation), posture (New York Posture Rating Chart), and trunk flexor/extensor endurance (flexor endurance test; Biering-Sørensen). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks (3 sessions/week). Overall, the results revealed that both groups improved in pain, but the PNF group improved significantly more; only the PNF group improved mobility, flexibility, and lumbar ROM, while posture and endurance did not change meaningfully. These findings suggest adding pelvic PNF to standard education/stabilization enhances short-term pain relief and movement capacity in SIJD.
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