• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.117-123
• /
• 2006

Objectives : The purpose of this study was conducted to find correct facilitation and clinical facilitation with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Methods : This is a literature study with books, articles, seminar note and books for PNF international course. Results : Treatment approach was changed from managements of reflex to facilitation. The facilitation will make passive or active motion. But it can not match with normal functional activities, lack of the active movement, and facilitation of musculoskeletal can interaction with environment. Conclusions : Facilitation of the Functional activities in the main therapy goal. Any necessary information, such as visual and acoustical information must be integrated. Spatial summation and temporal summation integrated also. Integrated information for the facilitation will be increased activity of alpha-motorneurons, activity of interneurons, and muscle fiber structural changes from slow twitch fibers to fast twitch fibers. Suggested facilitate goal-oriented of movements at a functional level and reduce stiffness at structural level.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.85-92
• /
• 2018

Purpose: We sought to examine whether using the rhythmic stabilization (RS) technique before proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) wrist taping affected pain and grip strength in patients with wrist pain to provide a basis for the application of PNF taping. Methods: The study consisted of 41 badminton enthusiasts (aged 20-40 years) who reported discomfort and pain due to overuse of their wrists. The subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=21). In the experimental group, PNF wrist taping was applied after application of the PNF RS technique, and PNF wrist taping was applied after stretching in the control group. The tape was applied five times a week for 3 weeks. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. The paired t-test was performed to compare grip strength and pain within the groups before and after the intervention. Covariance analysis was conducted to compare differences between the experimental group and control group. The level of significance was set as ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: Within-group changes in grip strength and VAS were significantly different in the control group and experimental group (p<0.01). Grip strength and VAS showed more improvement in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: PNF wrist taping after stretching and the PNF RS technique both significantly reduced pain and improved grip strength in club badminton players with wrist pain. These improvements were significantly greater in the experimental group in which the PNF RS technique was applied. The results suggest that PNF may be considered useful to improve grip strength and reduce wrist pain.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.225-232
• /
• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the lower extremity function of chronic stroke patients. Methods: The participants consist of 26 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=13) or a control group (n=13) and engaged in exercise three times per week for eight weeks. The experimental group engaged in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises and the control group engaged in general mat exercises. To measure lower extremity strength, the sit to stand test and the static balance test (standing on one leg) were used. To measure the stability index (SI) and weight distribution index (WDI), a Tetrax Portable Multiple System (Tetrax Ltd, Israel) was used in addition to a static balance test (standing on one leg). Results: : Lower extremity strength and static balance showed a significant improvement in the experimental group (p<.05). The SI and WDI were significantly improved in the experimental group (p<.05) for tests of standing with their eyes open, standing with their eyes closed, and standing on a sponge with their eyes open. Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises have confirmed that lower extremity function improves after exercise interventions in chronic stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.27-32
• /
• 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
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.311-319
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The study examined the effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern exercise and protein intake on balance, gait ability, and lower extremity muscular strength for sarcopenia in the elderly. Methods: A total of 30 elderly people (65~74years) with sarcopenia were recruited and randomized to Group I (n=10), Group II (n=10), and Group III (n=10). Their balance ability was measured using the functional reach test. Group I performed the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern exercise and protein intake. Group II performed the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern exercise. Group III performed protein intake. Their gait ability was measured using the Timed Up and Go test. Lower extremity muscular strength was measured using the Five Times Sit to Stand test. Results: As a result of comparison within groups, Group I and Group II showed a significant difference in balance, gait, and lower extremity muscular strength after the experiment (p<0.05), and Group I showed a more effectively significant difference than either Group II or Group III in balance, gait, and lower extremity muscular strength before and after the experiment (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns exercise and protein intake was effective in balance, gait ability, and lower extremity muscular strength for sarcopenia in the elderly.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.185-193
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neck patterns in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) for neck movement and the neck disability index (NDI) among adults with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise group (PNFG, n = 20) received 20 minutes of PNF neck pattern (flexion-Rt. lateral flexion-Rt. rotation followed by extension-Lt. lateral flexion-Lt. rotation) 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured using absolute rotation angle (ARA), anterior weight bearing (AWB), range of flexion and extension motions (RFEM), and neck disability index (NDI) methods before and after the 4-week intervention period. Results: There were significant effects for the PNFG, pre- and post-intervention, in ARA, AWB, RFEM, and NDI. There were significant differences in ARA, AWB, RFEM, and NDI compared with CG. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the PNF neck pattern could be beneficial for adults with forward head posture.Purpose: This study investigates how abdominal muscular exercise based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) can affect chronic low back pain patients in terms of their pulmonary function, pain, and functional disability indexes. Methods: Fourteen target subjects with chronic low back were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 7) that performed abdominal muscle exercises and the experimental group (n = 7) that performed PNF abdominal muscular exercises. The exercises were performed five times a week for six weeks. To check the change in pulmonary function, the forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) and visible analogue scale (VAS) were measured to check the pain level. The disability level caused by back pain was measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A paired t-test was applied to compare the differences between the groups before and after the intervention, and an independent t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups. The level of statistical significance was set as ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: Before and after the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant change in FEV1 (p < 0.01), and both the experimental and the control groups showed significant changes in VAS and ODI (p < 0.01). A comparison of the differences between the groups indicated that the experimental group showed more significant changes in FEV1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the study results, PNF abdominal muscular exercise effectively improved pulmonary function, pain, and functional disability indexes in subjects with chronic back pain. The proposed program can be applied to chronic back pain patients as a useful therapy.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.425-432
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between foot pressure and upper arm PNF exercise conducted with elastic bands while standing. Methods: Eighteen asymptomatic patients consented to participate in the study. Foot pressure was measured in the standing position using the Gaitview system for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) using a right upper arm pattern. Resistance strength was varied based on the type of elastic band used (red=medium, green=heavy, and blue=extra heavy). Statistical significance of the results was evaluated using a repeated one-way ANOVA, and the Bonferroni method was used for the ad hoc test (SPSS ver. 18. for Windows). Results: A significant difference was observed in fore-foot, rear-foot, and everage pressure after upper arm PNF exercise. However, there was no significant difference according to the type of elastic band. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, an upper arm PNF exercise with and without resistance may affect foot pressure in the standing position.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.195-202
• /
• 2016

Purpose: This study investigates the influence of applying proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) leg patterns on the activation of three types of mesogluteal fibers at the opposite side. Methods: The target subjects of this study were 19 healthy men who voluntarily agreed to participate in the program. For all subjects, the following four PNF leg patterns were applied while they were in a standing position, and then, the activation of the gluteus medius at the opposite side was measured: (1) flexion abduction internal rotation pattern, (2) flexion adduction external rotation pattern, (3) extension abduction internal rotation pattern, and (4) extension adduction external rotation pattern. In each position, a pattern was executed three times in 5 s, and the average of each measurement was used for the statistics. Results: Among the PNF leg patterns, the activation of the mesogluteal fibers at the opposite side was most significant under the application of the extension abduction internal rotation pattern. The activation of the back muscular fiber was significantly high under the application of the flexion abduction internal rotation pattern. Conclusion: Selective application of PNF leg patterns can improve the functional activity of each mesogluteal fiber.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.177-183
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neck patterns in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) for neck movement and the neck disability index (NDI) among adults with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise group (PNFG, n = 20) received 20 minutes of PNF neck pattern (flexion-Rt. lateral flexion-Rt. rotation followed by extension-Lt. lateral flexion-Lt. rotation) 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured using absolute rotation angle (ARA), anterior weight bearing (AWB), range of flexion and extension motions (RFEM), and neck disability index (NDI) methods before and after the 4-week intervention period. Results: There were significant effects for the PNFG, pre- and post-intervention, in ARA, AWB, RFEM, and NDI. There were significant differences in ARA, AWB, RFEM, and NDI compared with CG. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the PNF neck pattern could be beneficial for adults with forward head posture.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.51-58
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and taping interventions on balance ability, joint position sense, and ankle joint strength. Methods: Thirty subjects who had experienced an ankle sprain within the previous 3 months participated in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to a PNF group (n=15) or a taping group (n=15). Before and after the interventions, ankle dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion strength, joint position error, and total center of pressure movements in one leg while in a standing position were measured. Results: Regardless of the group allocation, ankle dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion strength significantly improved after the interventions (p<0.05). Compared to preintervention measurements, joint position errors were significantly reduced postintervention (p<0.05). The PNF intervention significantly decreased the total lateral movement of the center of pressure in the one leg standing condition (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both PNF and taping interventions improved joint position sense and ankle joint strength. In common with the findings of a previous study, the PNF intervention improved balance ability. Further study is required to investigate the effects of various PNF and taping interventions on ankle performance in subjects with chronic ankle sprains.