• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.197-202
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) program on neck pain, cervical range of motion, pressure pain, and the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio in a visual display terminal (VDT) worker. Methods: We recruited a 33-year-old VDT worker diagnosed with chronic VDT syndrome. The subject was treated using a PNF program for 20 minutes a day, three times a week for six weeks. All evaluations were performed every two weeks on the first test day. Results: The PNF program resulted in a significant improvement in the subject's neck pain, cervical range of motion, pressure pain, and the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio after six weeks, in comparison to the subject's condition before treatment. Conclusion: The PNF program can be used effectively to improve neck pain, cervical range of motion, pressure pain, and the cervical flexion-relaxation ratio in visual display terminal (VDT) workers.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.12
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• pp.665-673
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• 2009

This study was conducted to compare the PNF and Trunk Exercise Program has effectiveness on the pain, disability, static and dynamic balance in chronic low back pain patients. To evaluate the effects of exercise, subjects were evaluated by using VAS for pain, Oswestry disability index for disability, One leg stand test for static balance and Balance System for dynamic balance test. Pain, Oswestry disability index, One leg stand test, and Dynamic balance test in PNF had statistical significance than Trunk exercise program(p<0.05). So this results were suggested that the lifting and chopping pattern of PNF was effective on pain, disability and balance in chronic low back pain patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.9-23
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) exercise on body functions(gait, balance, lower extremity power) of elderly women. Methods : This study applied PNF exercise in a fall prevention program in addition to fall prevention seminars to an experimental group of 15 subjects and applied only fall prevention seminars to a control group of 15 subjects. The PNF exercise consisted of three sessions per week for 8 weeks and fall prevention seminars were composed of three times educations(0th, 4th, and 8th week). As a result of statistical analyses, following conclusions were obtained. Results : A 8-week PNF exercise significantly improved gait function and balance functions, lower extremity functions of elderly women. Conclusion : The PNF exercise in a fall prevention program was found to be effective to improve body functions(gait, balance, lower extremity power) of elderly women. In other words, the PNF exercise needs to be considered as an effective intervention for elderly women in order to strengthen their body functions and in fall prevention program.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.39-45
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in functional assessment measures (FAMs) and spatiotemporal gait parameters (STGPs) in healthy older adults before and after a 6-week intervention of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training program. Methods: Thirty healthy older adults (mean age: $73.37{\pm}1.21$ age range: 65-79) were randomly assigned either to an experimental group (participating in a 6-week intervention of PNF training) or a control group (only performing daily activities). Participants in the control group did not receive any training program. Performance was assessed by recording changes in the FAMs and STGPs using functional assessment tools and GAITRite. Results: Participants in the PNF group showed significantly improved functional assessment measures and increased stride length, cadence, velocity, and step width (p<0.05). No significant differences in FAMs and STGPs were found in the control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Participation in a PNF training program improves FAMs and STGPs, thereby increasing the ability of healthy older adults to maintain dynamic balance during functional performance and gait. These findings support the use of PNF training programs as effective fall-prevention programs for the elderly.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.303-310
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to identify an effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) on articulator function of the stroke patients. This study evaluated pre- and post- articulator function, targeting the test group for whom an program by PNF was applied, the contrast group for which an articulator training program was applied, and the control group for which no intermediation was made. Each program were performed total 24 times based on 3 times per 30~50 minutes. In result, MPT, AMR ,SMR of the test group were enhanced. AMR of the contrast group did not show any significant difference in /tə/, /rə/, and /a/. Therefore, Program by PNF is informed to have a effect in advancing the articulator function of the stroke patients, especially it was effective of the tongue movement.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a community based group exercise intervention on motor functional capacity. To evaluate the immediate(post-treatment) effects after 6-weeks exercise program on the group exercise intervention(PNF and Circuit exercise). Methods : Subjects-Included persons with stroke who were living in the community. Thirty-seven subjects were randomly assigned to the PNF, Circuit exercise and control group participated in a repeated measures design that evaluated the subjects with pre-treatment, post-treatment(6 weeks). Functional ability outcome measures assessed the motor assessment scale(MAS) and EMG. Both treatment groups participated in exercise cJass three times a week for 6 weeks. Group programs focused on balance, functional motor capacity and walking ability. The PNF program was modified PNF pattem and techniques with emphasis on functional tasks when possible, as well as stretching of the more affected limb particularly in the more affected shoulder. The Circuit program with subjects completing practice at a selies of work station as well as participating in walking races and relay with other members of the group. Results : Compared with the control group, the treatment group had larger improvements in the motor function ability after 6 weeks treatment and Post-treatment test scores were more significant than the pre-treatment score. 1. Motor function were assessed by using MAS, sit to stand, walking and upper function were assessed pre-treatment versus post-treatment measures revealed a statically significant(p<.05). There were significant differences between the groups. Compared with the control group, the treatment group had larger improvements. 2. In the treatment groups, demonstrated difference in the electromyographic activation of biceps, triceps, quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles on the paretic side in the response to the reaching arm movement and stepping motion in stance. The difference in muscle activation improvement were not statically significant. Conclusion : The results of this study showed that the PNF and Circuit group exercise intervention can improve motor functional ability. This study suggests that the PNF and Circuit exercise programs is appropriate for community-based group exercise principles. It leads to gain and maintain potential function for disabled persons after stroke in the community.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate PNF exercises for balance ability in elderly. Methods: This is a literature study with books and articles. Results: The balance ability in elderly is reduced by decreasing proprioception, visual and vestibular sensation. PNF exercise is highly efficient for functional activities to control posture and movement. It is also highly efficient for balance ability in elderly. This is considered effective exercise program for maintain and to promote balance ability in elderly. Conclusion: PNF exercise is highly efficient for functional activities to control posture and movement. In addition, it is also efficient for balancing posture and movement in cooperation with visual information and vestibular system. This exercise is considered to be effective exercise program to maintain posture and improve balance ability.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.475-484
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a PNF orofacial exercise program on diadochokinesis in subacute stroke patients with dysarthria. Methods: Thirteen subacute stroke inpatients with dysarthria were recruited for the study. All participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n=7) and a control group (n=6). The experimental group performed a PNF orofacial exercise program, and the control group carried out an orofacial self-exercise. Both groups received the treatments 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention, including an alternating motion rate (AMR) and sequential motion rate for diadochokinesis. Results: After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvement in diadochokinesis (p<0.05). In the change values for both groups, the experimental group showed a more significant improvement than the control group did in /pə/ of AMR (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that PNF orofacial exercise programs may have positive effects on the improvement of diadochokinesis in subacute stroke patients with dysarthria.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.73-82
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• 2017

PURPOSE: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) has been shown to improve body function and activity/participation in people with functional dysfunctions. This study evaluates if active exercise using theraband in PNF pattern may induce similar benefits as exercise using manual PNF pattern performed by physiotherapists on promoting mobility, balance and fear of fall in community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: Twenty-three community-dwelling elderly with independent activities of daily living were recruited and randomly allocated into either PNF group - exercise in PNF pattern by trained physiotherapists or Theraband-PNF (T-PNF) group - exercise using theraband in PNF pattern, for an hour, twice weekly for 4 weeks. Functional outcomes such as Timed Up and Go test, Elderly Mobility Scale, Berg balance scale, functional reach and subjective measures including fear of fall (FOF) scale, bodily pain in visual analogue scale were measured pre and post-program. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants completed the program. PNF group demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all subjective measures and objective measures. Similar within-group improvements were demonstrated in all outcome measures except FOFS in T-PNF group. However, no between-group differences were found in any of the outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Comparable improvements in functional outcomes in community dwelling elderly were demonstrated in both groups. As manual PNF exercise traditionally need clinicians' contact and feedback on patient which limit the training to be carried out extensively in community setting. The current findings suggest that exercise using theraband in PNF pattern is feasible to be adopted as self-practice exercise for community-dwelling elderly to induce beneficial effects on functional outcomes.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was investigated to find the approach in the PNF and TC for frail elder Method : This is a literature study with books, articles, seminal note and books for PNF and TC international course. Result : Neural mechanisms contribute significantly to the gains that occur in the range of motion about a joint with stretching exercises. The participation in a stretch-training program decreases tonic reflex activity and increases flexibility and decreases in force production and muscle activation. Also the stretching-induced decreases may be due to a central nervous system inhibitory mechanism. PNF stretch techniques can increase ROM in older adults. These results may differ from those of studies performed with younger populations because of age-related physiologic changes. TC exercise improves balance control and muscle strength and were associated with reorganized lower extremity neuromuscular patterns. Conclusions : The stretch training program of the PNF and TC contribute to increase the balance and coordination for frail elder. Therefore, The frail elder prevent falling. Further study, The PNF and TC be introduced as the new therapeutic intervention for frail elder.