30, August 2026

Comparative study between effectiveness of myofascial release with tennis ball Verses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on spasticity and motor function of upper limb in patient with stroke

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-8; AUG-2026

Author(s): Dr.Shubham Kacharuba Padghan ,  Dr.Tanushree Aloni, Dr.Anisha Johar, 

Authors Affiliations:

1 Student, Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

2Professor, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

3Professor,  Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202608006     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202608006


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Abstract: Background: Spasticity of the upper limb is a common complication following stroke and significantly limits functional recovery. Physiotherapy interventions such as Myofascial Release (MFR) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) are widely used, yet direct comparative evidence of their effectiveness in reducing spasticity is limited. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of myofascial release using a tennis ball and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on upper-limb spasticity in individuals with stroke. Methods: A comparative interventional study was conducted on stroke patients meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated to Group A (MFR with tennis ball + conventional physiotherapy) or Group B (PNF + conventional physiotherapy). Both groups received 30–40 minutes of therapy, three days per week for four weeks. Spasticity was assessed using the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) before and after the intervention. Pre–post changes within groups were analyzed, and mean differences were compared between groups. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions in spasticity following treatment (p < 0.0001). Group A showed a mean MTS improvement of 1.20, while Group B showed a larger mean improvement of 2.37. Although both interventions effectively reduced spasticity, the magnitude of improvement was greater in the PNF group, indicating superior neuromuscular facilitation effects on modulating abnormal tone.  
MTS (modified tardue scale) , MFR (myofascil realease) , PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) , WMFT (wolf motor function test) .

Dr.Shubham Kacharuba Padghan ,  Dr.Tanushree Aloni, Dr.Anisha Johar,  (2026);  Comparative study between the effectiveness of myofascial release with a tennis ball Verses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on spasticity and motor function of the upper limb in patients with stroke, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  8,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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