• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.63-74
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to compare hamstring flexibility and pressure pain threshold (PPT) after an intervention with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation contract-relax (PNF CR) technique, myofascial release (MFR), and a massage gun (MG), as well as to verify the effectiveness of the MG. Methods: This study recruited 36 participants (22 males and 14 females) with shortening of less than 70 degrees upon a straight leg raise (SLR) test, and they were randomly assigned to one of the PNF, MG, and MFR groups, each of which underwent its own protocol for 30 minutes. Flexibility of the hamstring was measured after the intervention using the active and passive knee extension (AKE and PKE) test, the sit and reach test, and PPT. Results: The AKE and PKE angles significantly decreased, as well as significantly increased in flexibility when each of the PNF, MFR, and MG interventions was performed (p<0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference among groups. However, according to the Cohen's D effect size, the MG demonstrated the largest effect size in AKE (d = 1.41) and PNF demonstrated the largest effect size in PKE (d = 1.66) and flexibility (d = 0.63). Conclusion: All interventions used in our study are effective in increasing hamstring flexibility. Based on the Cohen's D effect size, an MG is beneficial to increase the AKE, whereas PNF CR technique is recommended for increasing PKE and flexibility.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.75-86
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pectoralis minor stretching and lower trapezius strengthening exercise on posture change, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and pain in rotator cuff repair patients with a rounded shoulder posture (RSP). Methods: Following baseline measurements, the subjects (n = 25) with rotator cuff repair were randomized into two groups: the PNF group (n = 13), which engaged in PNF pectoralis minor stretching and lower trapezius strengthening exercise, and the control group (n = 12), which received traditional physical therapy. Each group participated in the intervention five times per week for two weeks. The RSP values for the postural changes, flexion and abduction ROM, and visual analogue scales (VASs) of both groups were recorded at both pre- and post-intervention. In addition, before and after the intervention, a paired t-test was conducted to compare the within-group changes and an independent t-test to compare the between-group differences. Results: After the two-week intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased RSP and VAS values (p < 0.05) and a significantly increased ROM (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the PNF group showed greater improvements in RSP, ROM, and VAS than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that PNF pectoralis minor stretching and lower trapezius strengthening exercise reduce posture and shoulder pain and enhance ROM in rotator cuff repair patients with RSP.

• 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.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.176-184
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• 2010

This study was to investigate the effects of upper and lower limb composing patterns of PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on the static balance ability by 20 subjects for 6 weeks. This study was measured left one leg standing and right one leg standing with closed eyes on Good Balance system. These results led us to the conclusion that the mean speed of X, Y direction, COP(center of Pressure) velocity moment showed a statistical decrease when applying post-exercise. The above results from this study indicated that upper and lower limb composing patterns of PNF exercise has improved the static balance ability. As a result, this study showed that upper and lower limb composing patterns exercise improve the ability of balance in young adults. Based on this study, it may be applied to old people.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.4582-4587
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify an effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) on swallowing function of the stroke patients. For this purpose, subjects were 9 experimental group and 9 control group of the stoke patients. The experimental group has been proceeded total 12 times based on 3 times per 30~50 minutes at a supplied place in the PNF program. The results of this study were as follows. First, the dysphagia scale of the experimental group that was provided with PNF, had a considerable statistic difference. Secondly, the oral pharyngeal functions of the experimental group that was provided with PNF, had a considerable statistic difference. Thirdly, the swallowing speed of the experimental group that was provided with PNF, had a statistic difference in the swallowing speed reduced of the first set, in total. Therefore, PNF is informed to have a effect in advancing the swallowing function of the stroke patients. And in the future, it is considered that researches that it develops the motor program in which the various techniques are combined and it can contribute to the swallowing functions for patients of stroke.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was both to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) lower leg taping and treadmill training on the gait and balance abilities of patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke and to provide a taping method based on the PNF concept. Methods: Twenty patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke were randomly and equally assigned to a control group (n=10), which received treadmill training, and to an experimental group (n=10), which received PNF lower leg taping and treadmill training. The intervention was conducted five times per week for six weeks. In order to measure changes in the gait ability of the subjects, a 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and a 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were conducted, and in order to measure changes in the subjects' balance ability, a timed up and go test (TUG) was performed. In order to compare differences within each group before and after the intervention, a paired-t test was carried out, and in order to compare differences between the two groups, the analysis of covariance was utilized. All statistical significance levels were set at ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: There were significant differences before and after the intervention within both groups in changes of 10MWT, 6MWT, and TUG (p<0.01). Regarding differences between the two groups, the experimental group underwent more effective changes than the control group in 6MWT and TUG (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study applied PNF lower leg taping and treadmill training to patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke, and this resulted in improvement in the subjects' gait and balance abilities. Taping and treadmill training based on the PNF concept is considered to be usefully applied as one of the programs to improve hemiplegic patients' gait and balance abilities.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.30-37
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• 2020

Background: To prevent or reduce the risk of strain injury, various approaches, including stretching techniques are currently being used. The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on flexibility has been demonstrated; however, it is not clear which one is superior. Objects: This study aimed to evaluate the differences between the effects of PNF and static stretching performed at various intensities on muscle flexibility. Methods: The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the hamstrings using the PNF stretching technique was performed in the P100 group, while 70% of the MVIC was performed in the P70 group. The MVIC value obtained during the PNF stretching in both groups was used as a reference for setting the intensity of static stretching. Static stretching was performed at 130% (S130), 100% (S100), and 70% of the MVIC (S70). The active knee extension (AKE) values, defined as the knee flexion angle were measured before stretching (baseline), immediately after stretching (post), and at 3 minutes, 6 minutes, and 15 minutes. Results: PNF stretching produce a greater improvement in flexibility compared with static stretching. Specifically, the ΔAKE was significantly higher in the S100 and S70 groups than in the P100 group at Post. In the comparison of ΔAKE over time in each group, the ΔAKE at Post showed a significant decrease compared to the value at Baseline in the S130 group; however, no significant difference was observed at 6 minutes while a significant increase was noted at 15 minutes. Conclusion: This study found that PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching with respect to increasing and maintaining the flexibility of muscles. In addition, the increase in flexibility at maximal intensity was similar to that observed at submaximal intensity during both PNF and static stretching.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of using the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contract-relax technique in the close kinetic chain position on the gait ability and gastrocnemius muscle tone of stroke patients. Methods: The subjects were patients who had strokes due to cerebrum infarction and hemorrhage. The subjects participated in exercise with the PNF contract-relax technique in the standing-on-elbow position with a high table, and the affected lower leg was placed in the posterior position. The PNF contract-relax technique was applied at the position in which the ankle plantar-flexors were in a sufficiently elongated position. After performing twice in each range, while the muscle was elongated, the affected side was moved further back and a new range was set. In each session, the time of contraction was set to 8 seconds, and the resting time was set to 5 seconds; however, if the patient felt tired, they received more resting time during the intervention. The Myoton Pro and 10 m walking test were used to measure the muscle tone and gait ability both pre- and post-intervention. Results: After participating in the program, the muscle tone decreased and the gait ability improved in the ankle plantar-flexors, as determined by the Myoton Pro and 10 m walking test. Conclusion: The PNF contract-relax technique can help to decrease muscle tone in ankle plantar-flexors with hypertonus and increase the gait ability in stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.51-61
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to review articles related to PNF and easily provide information to readers who have difficulty reading papers or using PNF in clinics without a background in statistical knowledge. Methods: We used PubMed to collect papers on international studies and we conducted a search on April 28, 2014. Keywords used for the PubMed search were "PNF" and "Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation". The search results identified 765 papers that had been published since 1954. To target the papers for review, we selected 66 papers, excluding papers that were not published in online journals and papers that were written in a second language. Results: The reviewed papers consisted of studies that addressed basic principles and procedures, combined with other interventions, including PNF stretching concepts, and other diseases with PNF concepts. The articles related to basic procedures and principles reported on optimal contraction intensity, patterns, and irradiation. The articles related to stretching and strengthening reported on stretching the hamstring muscles in healthy subjects, in combination with other interventions such as neuromobilization, clinical massage, kinesio taping, and water immersion. The articles related to specific diseases reported on stroke, low back pain, athletic injury, total knee replacement, etc. Conclusion: In the 66 articles reviewed for this study, there was little evidence that PNF has therapeutic value. However, in future research on the application of PNF, investigators could conduct a more in-depth analysis of this topic and present more objective and useful information on the therapeutic benefits of PNF.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.237-246
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of forward-and-backward shift trunk exercise using a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) diagonal pattern in a closed kinematic chain exercise on the upper limb function and activity of daily living (ADL) in a stroke patient. Methods: One subject participated in this study. The study used a reversal A-B-A' design, where A and A' were the baseline period (no intervention), and B was the intervention period. The intervention was a forward-and-backward trunk shift exercise, using a PNF diagonal pattern on both a stand-on-hand position and a quadruped position of closed kinematic chain exercises, for 20 min per day for 2 weeks. The range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint was measured and a Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper extremity (FMA-UE) and a functional independence measure (FIM) were performed to measure upper limb function and activity of daily living (ADL). Results: ROMs of shoulder joint (flexion, extension, abduction, and external rotation) increased in the intervention phase. The FMA-UE score increased (from 28 to 36) in the intervention phase. The FIM score increased (from 20 to 25) in the intervention phase. These increases were maintained after intervention (Baseline II). Conclusion: These results suggest that forward-and-backward shift trunk exercises using a PNF diagonal pattern in a closed kinematic chain exercise have a positive effect on stroke patients' upper limb function and ADL ability.