Clinical study on the therapeutic effect of PNF technique combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on glenohumeral subluxation treatment

GE Mo-han; JU Yong-jin; LIN Jun; LU Xiao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-252X.2026.01.010

Abstract：Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF)technique combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)on glenohumeral subluxation(GHS)in hemiplegic patients.Methods Seventy patients with hemiplegic GHS admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to January 2024 were selected and divided into a control group(n=35)and an experimental group(n=35)according to the random number table method.The control group received conventional shoulder sling treatment,while the experimental group received additional PNF technique combined with NMES therapy.The Acromiohumeral Interval(AHI)was measured by X-ray,and the acromion-greater tuberosity distance(AGT),acromion-lesser tuberosity distance(ALT),and acromio humeral distance(AHD)of the affected shoulder joint were measured by musculoskeletal ultrasound diagnostic apparatus before treatment and 14 days after treatment.Shoulder joint range of motion(ROM)was assessed using the simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment of motor function(SFMA).Upper limb motor function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale(FMA).Pain level was assessed using the numerical rating scale(NRS).Upper limb spasticity was assessed using the modified Ashworth scale(MAS).Treatment effectiveness was evaluated by measuring the distance between the acromion and humerus via X-ray.Results Intra-group comparison showed that AHI,AGT,ALT,and AHD at 14 days post-treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).Shoulder joint ROM and upper limb motor function at 7 and 14 days post-treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment,while upper limb spasticity and pain levels were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),with further significant improvement observed at 14 days compared to 7 days post-treatment.Inter-group comparison showed that the experimental group had significantly lower AHI,AGT,ALT,AHD,upper limb spasticity,and pain levels than the control group,and significantly higher shoulder joint ROM,upper limb motor function,and treatment effectiveness rate(P<0.05).Conclusions PNF technique combined with NMES can optimize the therapeutic effect of conventional shoulder sling treatment for hemiplegic GHS,reduce patient pain,and improve shoulder joint function.