Abstract: Objective To study the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on knee hyperextension in patients withstroke. Methods 60 patients with stroke were divided into treatment and control groups (30 cases each group). Both groups accepted medicineand routine rehabilitation, while the treatment group accepted PNF of knee additionally. Results The incidence of knee hyperextensionwas 7 (23.3%) in treatment group and 18 (60.0%) in control group (P<0.01) 3 months after treatment. The timed "up & go" improved morein the treatment group than in the control (P<0.01). Conclusion PNF of the knee at early stage of stroke can prevent knee hyperextensionand improve the walking.

Key words: stroke, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, knee hyperextension, walking