• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.143-150
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of opposite lower extremity lateral muscle activation by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise targeting the lower extremities. Methods: Nineteen patients with chronic hemiplegia volunteered to participate in this study. PNF flexion, abduction, and internal rotation patterns; initial, end range, and extension patterns; abduction and internal rotation patterns; and initial and end range patterns were applied to the dominant lower extremity. Activation of lateral muscles (multifidus, gluteus medius, tensor fascia lata, and peroneous longus) of the paralyzed leg was then measured by electromyography (EMG). Results: There were significant differences in lateral muscle activation, depending on the PNF pattern applied, with the differences more significant in flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and end range patterns. Conclusion: PNF flexion, abduction, and internal rotation patterns can improve lateral muscle activation of one leg in the standing position in the gait cycle.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.60-67
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• 2018

Background: Progressive muscle weakness is aggravated not only in the skeletal muscles but also in the respiratory muscles in many patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMD). Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been reported as therapy for pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory strength, endurance, exercise capacity, and quality of life, and to reduce dyspnea. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of playing harmonica for 5 months on pulmonary function by assessing the force vital capacity (FVC), peak cough flow (PCF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in patients with NMD. Methods: Six subjects with NMD participated in this study. The subjects played harmonica once a week for 2 hours at a harmonica academy and twice a week for 1 hour at home. Thus, training was performed thrice a week for 23 weeks. The examiner assessed pulmonary function by measuring FVC in the sitting and supine positions and PCF, MIP, MEP, and MVV in the sitting position at the beginning of training and once a month for 5 months. Results: Both sitting and supine FVC significantly increased after playing harmonica (p=.042), as did MIP (p=.043) and MEP (p=.042). Conclusion: Playing harmonica can be used as an effective method to improve pulmonary function in patients with NMD.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 2015

Joint flexibility is an important factor which affect the process and duration of the therapeutic methods in the filed of occupational therapy. Hip joint flexibility and electromyography (EMG) of major flexor and extensor for the hip joint were examined to understand the biomechanical characteristics of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). Hip joint flexibility increased $18.9^{\circ}$ on average after PNF was performed by a designated assistant on 10 college students. EMGs of quadriceps femoris muscle and hamstring muscles agreed with biomechanical characteristics of proprioceptive organs in muscles.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was conducted to find out observation at gait analysis of the stroke patient with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) concept. Methods : This is a literature study with books, seminar note and international PNF course book. Results : Stroke patient gait was poor initial contact by weakness of tibialis anterior or weakness of contralateral plantar flexor, poor loading response by loss of deep sensation, poor mid stance by loss of deep sensation, weakness of tibialis anterior and weakness of plantar flexors eccentric control, poor terminal stance, pre-swing, initial swing by loss of deep sensation and stiffness fo deep toe flexors. Conclusion : Stroke patient gait determine on loss of mobility, pain, fear, trunk muscle weakness, loss of coordination, loss of deep sensation, neglect and apraxia. Therefore observational gait analysis of the stroke patient focus on gait cycle and take out hypotheses from the gait cycle. These hypotheses have to define accept or not by parameters. Treatment plan made with the hypotheses.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of passive stretching, active stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) for hamstring flexibility. Methods : Fifty-two college students volunteered for this study. Subjects were randomly devided into three groups : passive stretching, active stretching, PNF. Range of knee extension was measured with the subjects in the 90-90 straight leg raising at before and 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after intervention. Results : In ROM changes 1st week, 3 groups were significant difference(p<.05). In ROM changes 3rd week, PNF group was significant difference(p<.05). ROM changes 1st week were significantly decreased from ROM changes 2nd week and 3rd week in all 3 groups(p<.05). Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that PNF is more effective method on hamstring flexibility than passive stretching or active stretching.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.33-46
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• 2009

Purpose : N.A.P.(Neuromuscular Skeletal Plasticity) an integrative neuro-orthopedic concept to facilitate motor strategies in daily life. The primary thesis is, that treatment of body functions and structural impairments should be integrated within goal-oriented activities. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the functional activity itself, determines the structure. Material and Methods : A case report of a dentist with brachial plexus lesion after a motor vehicle accident is presented. The necessity for training body functions within relevant tasks is undermined by references which emphasize the importance of training realistic activities to enhance long-term changes in neural representation. Results : The treatment methods presented in this case show significant effects for the patient's ability to participate in his profession within less than a year's time after his motor vehicle accident. Conclusions : Current evidence supports the treatment methods of this concept. The inability to flex his elbow and supinate his forearm placed a considerable doubt to his ability to ever be able to participate in his profession again. Structural reorganization is possible and depends on functional demands, which need to be trained task-specifically. Single case reports may serve as the basis for further randomized controlled studies to support the efficacy of the treatment methods within the N.A.P. concept.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.23-29
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• 2007

The purpose of this study were to investigate the differences between female and male basketball players in knee neuromuscular biomechanical factors during basketball rebound jump. Twelve high school female ($17.9{\pm}0.8years$) and twelve male ($19.0{\pm}1.6years$) basketball players rebound jumped for maximal vertical height to sufficiently stress the anterior cruciate ligament. Kinematic and ground reaction data were collected and combined with inverse dynamics to estimate the knee extensor and abductor torque. The EMG data from the biceps femoris and rectus femoris was used to estimate the ratio of quadriceps muscle activity. Female athletes showed more reduced knee flexion at foot contact, more increased knee abduction, extensor and abductor knee joint torque at foot contact, and quadriceps ratio at stance phase than those of male athletes. In conclusion, Female athletes showed differences in knee neuromuscular biomechanical factors than male athletes during basketball rebound jump.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2003

Objectives : The purpose of this study was conducted to find change and development of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Methods: This is a literature study with books, seminar and book for the international courses. Results: Combination of isotonic has been started by Mr and Mrs Johnson after Miss Knott passed away. It is that the terms of maximum resistance changed into optimal or appropriate resistance. It is focus on activities. Maximum resistance focus not only activities but also irradiation have to fit with normal functions. PNF has enough for the motor control concepts and international classification of functioning(ICF)of WHO. Conclusions: PNF has changed and developed with giving resistance method. It is that changed from maximal resistance to optimal resistance. But it is smaller concept than maximum resistance. Even though PNF founded 60 years ago, it is enough for new concepts that is motor control and learning.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study was conducted to find correct head and neck patterns, manual contact. verbal commands with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Method : This is a literature study with books, seminar note and book for PNF international course. Result : Keep the information of the biomechanics and neural science in head and neck patterns and emphasize that manual contact, verbal commands and visual stimulus. Manual contacting for movement guide and stability of the $C_0/C_1$ verbal command and visual stimulus for correcting of the $C_0/C_1$ movements. Conclusion : In reminder for PNF learning, begin with head and neck and upper trunk patterns. In that time, Knott and Voss(1968) had not enough information about biomechanic movement components and neural science movement components. But Knott and Voss(1968) emphasized that head and neck patterns relate with trunk, upper extremities and lower extremities directly. Alar ligaments are relaxed with the head in neutral and taut in flexion. Axial rotation of the head and neck tightens both alar ligaments. The right upper and left lower portions of the alar ligament limit left lateral flexion of the head and neck. Therefore, head and neck patterns has to be modify. When head moving, eye and vestibular stimulus will be change. During head and neck patterns, must be consider about stimulus of eye system and vestibular system also.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.97-104
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• 2017

Purpose: This study seeks to determine the effect of a lower extremity strengthening exercise that uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the gait and balance ability of a stroke patient. Methods: In this case study, a lower extremity strengthening exercise that used PNF was performed by the subject for 30 minutes 4 times per week for a 4-week period alongside typical rehabilitation therapy. The lower extremity pattern used flexion-abduction-internal rotation with knee flexion, extension-abduction-internal rotation, bilateral leg extension pattern. The 10 m walk test and 6 minute walk test were used to assess gait ability. The Berg balance scale was used to assess balance ability. Results: After the intervention, the time for the 10 m walk test decreased by 5.72 sec, the distance for the 6 minute walk test decreased by 20 meters, and the score on the Berg balance scale improved by 7 points, which indicates the effectiveness of this therapy for stroke patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a lower extremity strengthening exercise using PNF can improve the gait ability and balance ability of stroke patients.