Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on balance function of stroke patients in community. Methods 204 stroke patients in community were divided into control group (n=98) and observation group (n=106). The control group accepted routine rehabilitation and the observation group received PNF additionally. Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremities (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and static balance locator were used to evaluate the motor and balance function before and 3 months after treatment. Results The scores of FMA and BBS were higher after treatment than before (P<0.05) in both groups, and were higher in observation group than in control group (P<0.05). The length of path (L), covered area (A) and L/A were less in observation than in control group (P<0.05) both in the eye-open and eye-closed modes. Conclusion PNF can improve the lower extremities motor and balance function of stroke patients in community.

Key words: stroke, community, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, motor, balance