• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2017

Purpose: This study reviewed articles to identify the optimal rhythmic stabilization or stabilizing reversals application method for improving balance. Methods: The Cochrane, EBSCO, eArticle, Embase, DBpia, KISS, Medline, ProQuest, PubMed, SAGE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Springer, and Wiley databases were used to search articles from 1990 to January 2017. The search terms included: "rhythmic stabilization" and "stabilizing reversals." Only experimental human studies (randomized controlled trials) that compared the effects of varying the optimal application of rhythmic stabilization or stabilizing reversals to improve balance were included in the review. Non-English language (except Korean) and unpublished studies were excluded. Results: During the research, 1,098 articles were initially identified. Of these articles, nine were randomized controlled trials. Of these nine articles, five were in English, and four were in Korean. In addition, three of the trials did not measure the patients' balance, two did not report the intensity and location of the resistance, and three performed the rhythmic stabilization incorrectly. Only one article met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The remaining study evaluated the participants' performance of the alternating trunk flexor and extensor isometric contraction of the scapulae using the optimal resistance for 10 seconds in a sitting position. The participants completed three sets of eight repetitions with rest intervals of 30 seconds between the repetitions and 60 seconds between the sets. Conclusion: Due to the lack of the scientific research on the topic, this review may not provide the evidence needed to support the optimal application of rhythmic stabilization or stabilizing reversals to improve balance. Future research should consider the methodological quality to identify the proper rhythmic standardization and stabilizing reversals application method.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of symmetrical-reciprocal pattern of scapula and pelvis exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed and balance in patients with hemiplegia. Methods: Among the adult patients with hemiplegia that were hospitalized at Michuhol Rehabilitation Center after being diagnosed with stroke, 10 that were capable of independent walking for more than five minutes and that understood and cooperated with the therapy and test methods of this research, were selected as subjects. The therapy was implemented based on the concept of PNF, and it was performed on a low mat and a height-adjustable mat, as proscribed by the fundamental procedure for PNF. Symmetrical-reciprocal pattern of scapula and pelvis exercises were applied to the patients in the decubitus position. The therapy scheme included stabilizing reversals, rhythmic stabilization, and a combination of isotonics, rhythmic initiation, and dynamic reversals. To investigate gait speed and body trunk mobility before and after the symmetrical-reciprocal pattern of scapula and pelvis exercises were applied, walking speed for a distance of 10 m was measured and balance was tested based on the Berg-Balance scale test table. The Berg-Balance scale test was performed by one therapist to minimize any error that could occur from the subjective evaluation method used by therapists. Results: Gait speed increased by 8.97 seconds after applying the symmetrical-reciprocal pattern of scapula and pelvis exercises using the concept of PNF, showing a significant difference (p<0.01). However, balance showed no significant difference after the therapy (p>0.14). Conclusion: Exercise therapy that uses the symmetrical-reciprocal pattern of scapula and pelvis with the concept of PNF can be said to be a useful therapeutic technique that can enhance the walking speed of patients with hemiplegia.