Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Chest Expansion Exercises in Cerebral Palsy

Thoracic mobility is the mobility of the thoracic spine, and the rib cage is often measured by the degree of thorax expansion during breathing. Thoracic mobility is affected by many reasons, such as breathing mechanics, muscle stiffness, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor posture. The risk of respiratory illness should be assessed in all individuals with Cerebral palsy. Poor mobility of the thoracic will lead to limited breathing capacity and difficulty in daily life activities. Increasing thoracic mobility enhances dynamic alignment and functional movement. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) of upper extremity and chest expansion exercise can improve thoracic mobility. In this method, a physiotherapeutic approach is used in muscle strengthening, lengthening, and endurance training. The study aims to analyze the effect of an upper limb training program based on PNF techniques and chest expansion exercises on the thoracic mobility of a cerebral palsy patient.