• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.210-217
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• 2019

Objective: This study was conducted to compare the immediate effect of hamstring stretching techniques of static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) hold-relax and PNF irradiation on the hamstring muscle. Design: Three-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Fifty-one subjects with shortened hamstrings were randomly assigned to the static stretching group (n=17), PNF hold-relax group (n=17), and the PNF irradiation group (n=17). All subjects performed an active knee extension (AKE) test to assess for the lower extremity with a shortened hamstring. The static stretching group performed stretches by lifting their leg to the maximum extent (3 times, 30 seconds). The PNF hold-relax group performed maximal isometric contraction against the experimenter's resistance (3 times, 10 seconds). The PNF irradiation group performed maximum isometric contraction against the experimenter's resistance toward the direction of the body (5 times, 5 seconds). The pre and post-tests measured range of motion (ROM), pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and muscle tone. Results: There were significant differences in ROM and PPT between pre and post intervention in each group (p<0.05). There was a significant difference only in the ROM among groups (p<0.05). Post-hoc analysis showed that the changes in ROM occurred in the order of the PNF hold-relax group, static stretching group and PNF irradiation group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the PNF irradiation technique may improve ROM and may be used to improve ROM similar to other stretching techniques. Therefore, the PNF irradiation technique could be included in stretching programs and can be used as a suitable stretching method depending on the situation.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.135-143
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) relaxation technique (hold relax; HR, contract relax; CR) and static stretch (SS) on hamstring flexibility and vertical jump performance in healthy adults over a four-week period. Methods: Twenty-four healthy adults volunteered to participate in PNF and static stretch sessions. The subjects were divided into three groups as follows: 8 subjects in the SS group, 8 subjects in the HR group, and 8 subjects in the CR group. In the HR and CR groups, contractions lasted 15 seconds per trial and consisted of 5 sets of 15 seconds of hamstring contraction immediately followed by 15 seconds of passive static hamstring stretching. For the static group, the participants were asked to stretch by hanging a leg over a table for 30 seconds. Subjects in all groups performed the exercises three days per week for 4 weeks. The active straight leg raising (ASLR) test, active knee extension (AKE) test, and vertical jump test were performed before the intervention and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Results: The SS, HR, and CR techniques effected positive improvement in hamstring flexibility and vertical jump performances but neither of the stretching methods had any statistically significant different effects according to group, although there were interactions (between group and time) in the ALSR group from 1 week to 2 week and in the AKE test from pretest to 1 week. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, SS, HR, and CR were shown to affect hamstring flexibility and vertical jump performance in healthy adults. In particular, it was determined that within a short period, hamstring flexibility could be attributed more to CR than to SS.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.1-6
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• 2007

This study examined the effects of hold-relax with agonist contraction (HR-AC) on the symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by intensive eccentric exercise of the non-dominant biceps brachii. Ten men (mean age=26.7 yrs, mean height=172.1 cm, mean weight=66.2 kg) and ten women (mean age=27.4 yrs, mean height=165.9 cm, mean weight=60.7 kg) who had not participated in a regular exercise program for the upper extremities in the previous six months were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: the HR-AC group, or the control group. We measured joint range of motion (ROM), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and muscle soreness before eccentric exercise, and 24, 48, and 72 hours after eccentric exercise. The subjects in the HR-AC group received the HR-AC technique in the non-dominant biceps brachii. The HR-AC technique was applied 24 and 48 hours after eccentric exercise. There was no significant difference between the HR-AC and the control group. However, the HR-AC group, compared to the control group, had a significant difference between the time points of the various parameters. Increased ROM (p<.05), decreased muscle soreness (p<.05), and reduced MVIC (p<.05) were found in the HR-AC group after 72 hours. Decreased ROM (p<.05) and MVIC (p<.05), and increased muscle soreness (p<.05) were observed in the control group. These findings suggest that the HR-AC technique effectively reduces muscle soreness and increases ROM 72 hours after eccentric exercise.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.29-35
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to effect of application methods of stretching exercise on angular variation and muscle activation changes in the hallux valgus. Method : This study was performed on twenty subjects. Twenty subjects were divided into two groups; Agonist Contraction(AC)(n=10), Hold-relax with Agonist Contraction(HR-AC)(n=10). Both of the group performed the exercise 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The data was analyzed by the paired t-test for comparing before and after changes of factors in each group and the independent t-test for comparing the between groups. Result : In the within group comparisons, HR-AC group abductor hallucis muscle activity showed significant difference between before and after the intervention(p<0.01). And all the two groups, there were significant decreased in hallux valgus angle(p<0.01). In the comparison of the two groups, there were significant difference among the two groups in abductor hallucis muscle activity(p<0.01). Conclusion : The findings of this study, we found that the HR-AC technique were more effective than AC technique in increase in abductor hallucis muscle activity.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of hold-relax and antagonist contraction (HR-AC) technique and Kinesio taping on pain changes in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) of 20's adults. Methods: Based on voluntary participation, 14 participants with induced-DOMS were randomly divided into control (non-treatment, n=7) and experiment group (HR-AC technique and kinesio taping, n=7). Measurement were used visual analogue scale (VAS), heart rate variability (HRV), and brain wave (alpha). There were 5 sets of the HR-AC technique application on the 5th day from the day of DOMS induction (rest for 30s between sets). Kinesio taping was applied to the same area after HR-AC. Results: The VAS showed significant changes according to the period and in the interaction between the period and the group (p<.01). HRV and alpha wave (Fp1) showed significant changes according to the period (p<.001). The analgesic effect was more rapid and continuous in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that the HR-AC technique and Kinesio taping are effective interventions for the management of pain and stress caused by DOMS.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to find the effects of scapular pattern and hold-relax technique of propriocetive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) on the range of motion(ROM) and to find the effects of pain relieve through visual analogue scale(VAS) in frozen shoulder patients. The subjects were consisted of thirty frozen shoulder patients(men ; 9, women ; 21). The measurement of the shoulder range of motion was taken by measuring the degrees of flexion, abduction, and external rotation with a goniometer and the measurement of pain was performed by VAS from pre treatment to one to four weeks The results were as follows : 1. There was the statistical significance not only in the range of motion such as shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation, but also in VAS during four weeks(p<.05). 2. By the result of Scheffe's multiple comparison test. there was statistical significance between the values of pre treatment and treatment after one week in the range of motion of shoulder flexion. In that of shoulder external rotation, there was statistical significance between the values of pre treatment and treatment after one week, and between those of treatment after one and two weeks. As the result of this statistical significance of shoulder external rotation, the early treatment was thought to be more effective. However, there was statistical significance in the treatment after two and three weeks in shoulder abduction and was statistical significance between the values of pre treatment and the treatment after one weeks, and between those of treatment after two and three weeks in VAS (p<.05). 3. There was not statistical significance between men and women in the range of motion of the shoulder and in VAS(p>.05). 4. There not statistical significance between th right and left frozen shoulder patients in the range of motion of shoulder and in VAS(p>.05).

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.223-238
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of taping therapy for adhesive capsulitis patients. The subjects were consisted of 40, male 18, female 22, average age was 59 years old. To find out the effectiveness of taping therapy, we sampled 20 patients treated with H/P, electrical therapy and scapular pattern & hold-relax technique of PNF(control group), and 20 patients treated same as control group with taping therapy(experimental group). The results were as follow : 1. There was a statistical significance of shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation and VAS in both group(P<0.05). 2. There was not statistical significance of shoulder flexion and external rotation(P>0.05), but abduction had a statistical significance between taping group and non-taping group(P<0.05). 3. VAS was observed a statistical significance between 3rd and 4th post treatment(P<0.05). These results are imply that taping therapy has a effectiveness of shoulder motion and VAS for adhesive capsulitis.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.333-343
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a neck exercise using a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) neck flexion and extension pattern on body balance in a progressive range of positions (supine, prone on elbow, and sitting), on numbness in the upper extremities, and on neck flexion motions in cervical myelopathy patients. Methods: One participant who was diagnosed with cervical myelopathy participated in this study. A reversal design (A-B-A') was used. The A and A' were the baseline period (no intervention), and B was the intervention period. The intervention used a neck extension pattern with a hold-relax technique and a neck flexion pattern with a combination of isotonic techniques in the supine position. Then, neck flexion and extension patterns were applied together with a reversal technique for stabilization, followed by a neck extension pattern with a combination of isotonic techniques in the prone position on the elbows. Finally, a neck flexion and extension pattern was used with a stabilizing reversal technique, and a neck extension pattern was applied with a combination of isotonic techniques in the sitting position for 60 minutes per day, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. To measure balance, numbness, and neck motion during neck flexion, the one-leg stand test and the visual analogue scale were used. Results: The right and left one-leg stand tests showed increased balance ability in the intervention phase. Upper extremity numbness was decreased in the intervention phase, and neck flexion motion was increased in the intervention phase. These increases were maintained after the intervention (Baseline II). Conclusion: These results suggest that a neck exercise using a PNF neck pattern with additional techniques in a progressive range of positions has a positive effect on cervical myelopathy patients for balance, numbness, and neck motion.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various relaxation techniques on various dysfunction problems caused by shortening of the sagittal muscles. Method: The subjects were 44(18 males, 26 females). The subjects were composed of 3 groups. The experimental group consisted of 14 patients with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching (PNF) technique, control group A 15 patients with self myofacial release (SMR) ball exercise, and control group B with 15 patients with Sling exercise. After 3 weeks of relaxation on the hamstring muscle, the length of the hamstring muscle before and after the intervention was compared. Results: The results of relaxation exercise of the snake muscles applied to passive PNF group, SMR ball group, and Sling relaxation group are as follows. 1. In the passive PNF group, the muscle length of the hamstring muscle was significantly increased after the intervention. 2. The muscle length of the hamstring muscle was significantly increased after the intervention in the SMR ball group. 3. Sling relaxation group significantly increased the muscle length of the hamstring muscle after sling exercise intervention. 4. Passive PNF group showed the greatest change in muscle length before and after intervention than SMR ball group and Sling relaxation group. Conclusion: Passive PNF relaxation therapy, SMR ball relaxation therapy, and Sling relaxation therapy applied to the hamstring muscle were effective in increasing muscle length of the hamstring muscle. PNF relaxation therapy showed the most significant effect after 3 weeks intervention.