The Effectiveness of Combined Effleurage and PNF Therapy in Increasing Range of Motion and Function and Reducing Pain in Patients with Pelvic Injuries

Abstract

Inadequate physical preparation, improper posture while sitting or standing, prolonged activities without adequate rest such as long-distance walking, and excessive loading during physical activity or exercise may cause pelvic injuries, resulting in pain and restricted movement. Pelvic injuries can be managed through various approaches, including effleurage therapy combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined effleurage and PNF therapy in increasing range of motion (ROM) and movement function and reducing pain in patients with pelvic injuries receiving treatment at the Health and Sport Center of Yogyakarta State University (UNY). A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used, involving 15 patients with pelvic disorders. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ROM was measured using a goniometer, and movement function was evaluated using the Harris Hip Score. Participants received a single approximately 30-minute session combining effleurage and PNF techniques. Pretest and posttest data were compared using a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, as appropriate. Pain intensity decreased from 7.0 ± 0.92 to 2.4 ± 0.91 (65%; p = 0.000). Flexion increased from 68.2 ± 11.7 to 120.8 ± 9.1 (77%; p = 0.000), extension from 13.8 ± 2.7 to 24.2 ± 4.0 (76%; p = 0.000), abduction from 18.1 ± 3.3 to 30.4 ± 5.0 (78%; p = 0.000), adduction from 11.2 ± 1.5 to 20.1 ± 1.2 (69%; p = 0.000), internal rotation from 16.6 ± 4.5 to 29.3 ± 4.6 (77%; p = 0.000), and external rotation from 26.4 ± 3.5 to 37.5 ± 3.9 (30%; p = 0.000). Movement function increased from 51.8 ± 7.8 to 75.1 ± 8.2 (45%; p = 0.000). These findings indicate that combined effleurage and PNF therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving ROM and joint movement function and may therefore be considered as a therapeutic approach for pelvic injuries.