title: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human T cell lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) can impact the independence and motricity of patients. The aims of this study were to estimate the effects of physiotherapy on the functionality of patients with HAM/TSP during the stable phase of the disease using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and to compare two methods of treatment delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen patients with human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) were randomly allocated into two groups. In group I (seven patients), PNF was applied by the therapist, facilitating the functional activities of rolling, sitting and standing, walking and climbing and descending stairs. In group II (seven patients), PNF was self-administered using an elastic tube, and the same activities were facilitated. Experiments were conducted for 1h twice per week for 12 weeks. Low-back pain, a modified Ashworth scale, the functional independence measure (FIM) and the timed up and go test (TUG) were assessed before and after the interventions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the within-group evaluation, low-back pain was significantly reduced in both groups, the FIM improved in group II, and the results of the TUG improved in group I. In the inter-group analysis, only the tone was lower in group II than in group I.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both PNF protocols were effective in treating patients with HAM/TSP.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Fisioterapia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Serviço de Fisioterapia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
authors.forename: Vera Lúcia Santos de
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Britto
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
authors.forename: Rosalie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Correa
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
authors.forename: Maurice Borges
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology*; D015493:Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome