• PNF and Movement
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2006

Purpose : The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect on Balance Ability of Knee Osteoarthritis(OA) by Lower Extremity Patterns with dynamic reverse in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF). Methods : The subjects were consisted of 30 women patients with knee OA. All subjects were randomly assigned to PNF group. Each group had a treatment for 30 minutes per day and three times a week during 8 weeks period. Was used to measure recovery or worse of patient's condition, muscle assessment questionnaire(MAQ) was used to measure patient' s muscular strength, Endurance, coordination/balance, KWOMAC was used to pain, stiffness, and physical function, and BPM was used to measure path, anterior-posterior. Results : This study results in following conclusons. 1. MAQ score was significantly decreased in PNF group(p<.05). 2. KWOMAC score was significantly decreased in PNF group(p<.05). 3. BPM were score was significantly decreased in PNF group(p>.05). Conclusion : From this result the PNF treatment retrogression characteristic will be effective in treatment of patient, with the arthritis and widely may be applied at a therapist.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.23-33
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• 2009

It can be used easily to reduce rehabilitation and treatment time if diagnostic and therapeutic devices are attached to cloth or body. Therefore we developed neuromuscular wearable ultra-miniature lighting modules which can improve the neuromuscular function and verified its clinical effectiveness. The system is based on the ultra-miniature lighting treatment module and there are two types of systems. One of them is designed as an attached type and the other type is combined with clothing. The wearable ultra-miniature lighting module is composed of controller (battery, MCU, bidirectional transmitter and receiver), cable, treatment medium generating device and other peripheral devices. To verify the clinical effectiveness of this device, we observed the difference of the strength of a muscle before and after 650nm and 25mW laser irradiation on the reflex point for 1 to 4 seconds. Among 48 patients having the degenerative osteoarthritis, the muscle strength before and after irradiation of laser was $21.8{\pm}7.99$ and $27.3{\pm}8.43$. According to the result, the muscle strength after treatment was significantly increased (p<0.01). To whom having difficulty in visiting to OPD(Out-Patient Department), doctors medically examine the patients and find the therapeutic point, attachment of this wearable ultra-miniature lighting module can function as self treatment (treating instrument) and treatment assist at home. If doctor can remotely control the patient and take part in treatment, the therapeutic device could contribute to prevention and care device.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.133-141
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) rehabilitation exercise on postoperative range of motion (ROM), pain, and function of breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to provide fundamental data regarding the use of PNF rehabilitation exercise for patients with breast cancer. Methods: Fourteen patients who underwent surgery due to breast cancer were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=7) that performed PNF rehabilitation exercise and a control group (n=7) that performed general rehabilitation exercise. Both groups performed the respective exercises for 30 minutes, five times a week for 4 weeks. For the measurement of ROM, the range of shoulder abduction was measured using a clinometer smartphone application. The shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was used to measure the level of pain and functional activity. A paired t-test was conducted to compare within-group changes before and after the PNF rehabilitation exercise. Differences between the experimental group and control group were analyzed by an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: After the exercise, there was a significant within-group change in the ROM and SPADI in both the experimental group and control group (p<0.01). There was also a significant between-group difference in the ROM and SPADI after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rehabilitation exercise is generally applied as a treatment for patients with breast cancer after surgery and is relatively effective. The application of PNF rehabilitation exercise may be useful in such patients, considering its effects on ROM improvement, pain reduction, and functional enhancement.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.35-47
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• 2004

Purpose : The purpose of this article was to review the literature on contractile properties of skeletal muscle with reference to its molecular and functional diversity. Method : This review outlines scientific findings regarding different contractile properties in skeletal muscle fibers, and discusses their involvement in functional diversity. Result & Conclusions: Muscle fibers possess distinct mechanical and energetic properties. Myosis, one of the primary contractile muscle proteins, displays structural, functional variability and plays the role of the molecular motor of muscle contraction. Muscle satellite cells are normally mitotically quiescent, but initiate proliferation and give rise to daughter myogenic precursor cells as required for the postnatal growth and regeneration of adult muscle. Passive extensibility is an important component of total muscle function because it allows for the maximal length of skeletal muscles. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) stretching can help to restore or improve flexibility and coordination, thereby improving overall muscle function.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.317-332
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• 2018

Purpose: Patients with tibial fractures can have functional problems with balance and gait, as well as lower extremity muscle weakness. This case report aimed to describe the effect of hip joint strengthening exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on balance and gait and lower limb function in a patient with tibia fracture. Methods: One patient diagnosed with tibial fracture was treated for seven weeks with the basic procedure, pattern, and technique of PNF for a hip joint strengthening exercise. Results: The results of pre- and post-intervention treatment showed improvements in physical function and structure in the clinical tests, including the manual strength test; the modified Ashworth scale; sensory evaluation; balance, sit-to-stand, and gait performance; and evaluation of lower limb function. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the use of theory-based proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation for hip joint strengthening exercises positively affects patients' functional improvement in tibial fracture patients, and this may be used as a therapeutic exercise method for those with orthopedic problems in the lower extremities. One limitation of this study was that it was performed on only one tibia fracture patient, which makes it difficult to extend the treatment effects to all patients with this condition.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.157-166
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• 2019

Purpose: This study compares and examines the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with chronic low back pain through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: Domestic literature was searched with combinations of keywords including "proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation," "PNF," "back pain," and "low back pain" using the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and Korean Medical Database (KMbase). Six studies (n=148) were finally included in the analysis through a selection and exclusion process. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: According to the meta-analysis results, the low back pains of the PNF group and the contrast group showed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.21 (95% CI: -3.35, -1.07, p=0.01, $I^2=83%$) after intervention. Thus, the PNF group showed a statistically significant decrease in low back pain compared with the control group. In addition, the SMDs of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lung function, and the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were -1.34 (95% CI: -1.88, -0.79, p<0.01, $I^2=35%$), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.49, 1.79, p=0.01, $I^2=0%$), and -1.59 (95% CI: -2.56, -0.62, p=0.01, $I^2=46%$), respectively. Thus, the PNF group showed statistically significant differences from the control group. Conclusion: At present, there is some limit to obtaining definite results about effect sizes because there are relatively few randomized controlled experiments that analyze the effects of PNF exercise in patients with chronic low back pain. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to conduct randomized clinical trials and long-term efficacy studies in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.123-128
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and horseback riding using a robotic device on the trunk muscle activity and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegia. Methods: Children with spastic diplegia were divided into two groups: an experimental group (NMES and horseback riding using a robotic device [n=10]) and a control group (placebo NMES and horseback riding using a robotic device [n=10]). Each group received general physical therapy and occupational therapy. Each intervention involved the administration of NMES for 15 minutes and horseback riding using robotic device therapy for 15 minutes three times a week for 4 weeks. The evaluation included both the rectus abdominis muscles (RA), external oblique muscles (EO), thoracic paraspinal muscles (TP), and lumbar paraspinal muscles (LP) activity and GMFM. Results: The RA, EO, TP, and LP muscle activity, GMFM C, D, and E were increased significantly in the experimental and control groups. A significant increase in both the TP muscle activity and GMFM D was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that horseback riding using a robotic device is an effective intervention for trunk muscle activity and GMFM in children with spastic diplegia. However, if NMES is added to the back muscles, it is possible to further increase the thoracic paraspinal muscle activity and standing ability.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion: The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

• International Journal of Contents
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.98-102
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• 2011

In this study, we investigated the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on the treatment of 20 acute stroke patients with dysphagia. For both the treated and control groups, the basic facial stimulation training was conducted for 30 minutes, five times a week, for four weeks. NMES was performed on the treated group only, for 30 minutes each time. Both groups were evaluated according to the functional dysphagia scale (FDS) using a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). After the treatment was performed for four weeks, the FDS results of the treated group showed a significance difference in oral transit time in the oral phase and in the triggering of pharyngeal swallow fluid, laryngeal elevation and epiglottic closure, nasal penetration, residue in valleculae, coating of pharyngeal wall after swallow fluid, and pharyngeal transit time in the pharyngeal phase. In addition, the treated group showed a significant difference in laryngeal elevation and epiglottic closure, nasal penetration, and pharyngeal transit time in the pharyngeal phase after the treatment compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be an effective method of treating dysphagia in acute phase stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study was conducted to find scapular movement instability related with shoulder complex and provide strengthening the scapular muscles with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Methods : This is a literature study with books and articles, seminar note and book for PNF international course. Results : The scapular serve as the platform for humeral motions. The scapulothoracic articulation is stabilized and controlled, in part, by the scapular muscles. Therefore, if scapular muscle function is altered, then dysfunctional scapulothoracic kinematics may result. Strengthening exercise for scapular muscles are a common part of rehabilitation programs designed for patients with scapular instability. Conclusion : Treatment of the scapular instability is provided. It is that treatment with combination of isotonic, stabilize reversal on different patient's positions.