• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2009

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to find out which method is efficient to enhance the flexibility of lower back between PNF(Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), static and dynamic stretching. Methods : Subjects were 30 young people between the ages 17 and 19. They were randomly divided into three groups; static group(n=10) performed a static stretching, dynamic group(n=10) performed a dynamic stretching, and PNF group(n=10) performed a PNF stretching. Intervention was provided 5 days per week for 4 weeks. For each case, Trunk flexion forward, trunk flexion backward, trunk left lateral bending, trunk right lateral bending, trunk flexion forward a measuring instrument and tapeline were performed to measured the flexibility of lower back at different times(before starting the exercise, after 4 weeks). Results : The results of the study reveal that the lower back flexibility was a statistically significant difference in all groups(p<.05). There was statistically significant difference between PNF group and static group, PNF group and dynamic group. Conclusion : The finding indicated that PNF may be preferred technique for improving flexibility, and that flexibility training results in an increased consistency of flexibility scores.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.116-120
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to determine which interventions are effective in increasing hamstring flexibility due to changes in the range of motion (ROM) and pennation angle (PA) when foam rolling (FR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching were performed. Methods: A total of 24 healthy participants who agreed to participate in the study were randomly chosen. The participants were divided into three groups of eight people: Control, FR, and PNF stretching groups. The hip flexion angle (ROM) and PA of the hamstrings were measured before and after the experiment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the ROM and PA for each group by comparing the before and after results. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the increase in hamstring flexibility between the groups. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the ROM and PA within all groups, and only the ROM was significant in the comparison between the three groups. In the comparison between the control and other two groups, a significant difference was noted in both the ROM and PA in the FR group and only the ROM in the PNF stretching group (p<0.05). In the comparison between the FR and PNF stretching groups, no significant difference was observed (p>0.05). Conclusion: These findings FR and PNF stretching increased the ROM; however, no change in PA was observed. Therefore, FR and PNF stretching were considered effective interventions in immediately increasing hamstring flexibility.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.55-61
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find out which method was efficient to enhance the flexibility of lower back between PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and hamstring stretching. Method : subject were 20 young people between the ages 20 and 25. subjects were randomly assigned to one of 2groups; PNF(n=10), static(n=10). respective group received the same stretching does of 3days per week for 4weeks. Trunk flexion forward a measuring instrument and tapeline were performed to measurement the flexibility of lower back at different times(before starting the exercise, 4weeks after starting). Results : The results of the study were as follows: The lower back flexibility was increased significantly in PNF groups. PNF, static groups showed meaningful defference in trunk flexion forward. The finding indicate that PNF may be preferred technique for improving flexibility and that flexibility training results in on increased consistency of flexibility scores.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.81-88
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study was to analyze ultrasonography and 90-90 SLR test on hamstring after both groups were applied static stretching exercise and PNF stretching exercise. Methods : For this experimental study, total 20 healthy university students, who were divided into static stretching exercise group and PNF stretching group. Each group was assessed before and after stretching(0.5 minute, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes). Results : Total score of 90-90 SLR test was showed a significant difference between pre and post. Hamstring diameter was gradually increased to 2.5 minutes and 3 minutes, where after it was gradually decreased in static stretching exercise group. Hamstring circumference had regular interval scores before and after on PNF stretching exercise group. Conclusion : There was a different change on hamstring diameter and circumference.

• 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.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.63-69
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• 2019

Background: Both the rapid concentric and eccentric contractions during exercise repeatedly impose excessive stress on muscle tissue. The hamstring muscles are very susceptible to injury due to the tensile stress. Various interventions are currently being undertaken to prevent strain injury before exercise. Stretching is the most common method and is known to have a positive effect on flexibility and muscle performance. However, relatively few studies have investigated the potential negative factors of stretching. Objects: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in pain following the different intensity of the stretching and types of physical stress. Methods: The subjects were divided into three groups based on the intensity of stretching: 100% (S100), 75% (S75), and 50% (S50) of the measured force at the point of discomfort in static stretching and 100% (P100), 75% (P75), and 50% (P50) of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching. The pain individual subjects perceived after stretching was measured via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and compared between the groups Results: Despite the decrease in the intensity of static stretching, no decrease in VAS value was observed. In PNF stretching, a significant decrease was observed at P50 compared to P100. S100 was significantly higher than P75 and P50. Conclusion: Previous studies have shown that PNF has a superior or the same effect on flexibility in comparison with static stretching. This effect was maintained even in moderate intensity. PNF stretching performed under moderate rather than high intensive static stretching, which causes pain and discomfort, might be recommended in clinical settings.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2020

Background: This study was conducted to compare the effects of an incline board, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, and joint mobilization on the dorsiflexion of the ankle joint and muscle tone of the plantar flexor and ankle in stroke patients. Methods: Forty-five stroke subjects were randomly divided into three groups: each JMG (Joint Mobilization Group), IBG (Inclined Board Group) and PSG (PNF Stretching Group). The experiment was performed for eight weeks between August 1 and October 31, 2018. Results: The dorsiflexion of the ankle joint was significant between the groups and by period (p<.05). JMG had a significant change by period (p<.05). Differences between groups by period increased after 8 weeks in the PSG and the JMG (p>.05). The gastrocnemius lateral muscle tone was significant between the groups (p<.05), and medial muscle tone was interacted between groups and time (p<.05). Conclusion: An effective intervention method to increase the dorsiflexion of the ankle joint and decrease the muscle tone when performing PNF stretching, and joint mobilization in stroke patients was confirmed. Future studies are recommended to variety research of PNF stretching and joint mobilization.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.225-234
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• 2021

Objective: We aimed to identify the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: In total, 45 patients with chronic low back pain were randomly divided into a conventional stretching group (n=22) and a PNF stretching group (n=23). Both interventions were performed three times per week for 6 weeks. Assessments were made using the visual analog scale, Flexion-Abduction-External Rotation test, modified Thomas test, prone hip extension test, and Oswestry disability index before and after the 6-week intervention period. We conducted a paired t-test to compare the within-group findings before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to compare the between-group differences. The statistical significance level was set at α=0.05, for all variables. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability after the intervention (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed in pain, hip range of motion, and functional disability in patients belonging to the PNF stretching group (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the application of PNF stretching can effectively reduce pain and improve hip range of motion and functional disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.8 no.11
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• pp.1771-1776
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• 2013

In order to understand how static stretch and PNF stretch affect flexibility improvement of college taekwondo players, the study evaluated the joint working range of the knee joint while testing the jump performance to see if those stretches have any influence on a functional performance. According to the results of the research, each group of the static stretch and PNF stretch was observed with significant improvements in the joint working range and the jump performance. From the comparison between the two groups, only the jump performance came up with significant differences.

• 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.