To compare the effect of scapular stability exercise versus scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on function of Paretic upper extremity of stroke patients

Background: Major concern facing individual with upper extremity paresis after stroke is recovery of upper extremity movement and function. Hemi paresis leads to compromise normal biomechanics and stability of shoulder complex by loss of motor control and development of abnormal pattern. There are many therapeutic approach used to restore motion and maintain scapular stability. Objective: To compare the effect of scapular stability exercise versus scapular PNF on function of paretic upper extremity in stroke patients. Method: 30 patients who fulfilled the criteria were selected and divided into two groups of 15 each. Group A Scapular PNF and Group B Blackburn exercise. Intervention given for 4 weeks and pre and post scoring done by Fugl Meyer Assessment and Manual Function Test. Result: Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann Whitney U Test were used to analyze data for statistical significant among groups. Result shows a statistically significant difference in both groups and group B is more significant than group A. Conclusion: This study concluded that scapular stability exercises are more effective in improving paretic upper extremity function in stroke patients.