• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.85-92
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• 2018

Purpose: We sought to examine whether using the rhythmic stabilization (RS) technique before proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) wrist taping affected pain and grip strength in patients with wrist pain to provide a basis for the application of PNF taping. Methods: The study consisted of 41 badminton enthusiasts (aged 20-40 years) who reported discomfort and pain due to overuse of their wrists. The subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=21). In the experimental group, PNF wrist taping was applied after application of the PNF RS technique, and PNF wrist taping was applied after stretching in the control group. The tape was applied five times a week for 3 weeks. Pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer. The paired t-test was performed to compare grip strength and pain within the groups before and after the intervention. Covariance analysis was conducted to compare differences between the experimental group and control group. The level of significance was set as ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: Within-group changes in grip strength and VAS were significantly different in the control group and experimental group (p<0.01). Grip strength and VAS showed more improvement in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: PNF wrist taping after stretching and the PNF RS technique both significantly reduced pain and improved grip strength in club badminton players with wrist pain. These improvements were significantly greater in the experimental group in which the PNF RS technique was applied. The results suggest that PNF may be considered useful to improve grip strength and reduce wrist pain.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.313-318
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• 2012

Purpose: This study examined the effects of an exercise program involving the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) lower-extremity patterns on the Bone Mineral Density (BMD), balance and lower muscular strength in patients with osteoporosis. Methods: The participants were allocated randomly to 2 groups: experimental group and control group. To evaluate the effects of exercise, the subjects were evaluated using the BMD and Time Up & Go Test and One Leg Stance Test for balance, and the Sit To Stand for lower muscular strength. Results: After the 8 week study, the experimental group showed a significant difference in all items compared to the control groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that a PNF exercise program is effective in patients with osteoporosis. Furthermore, an exercise program involving these patterns can be used in a follow-up program for patients with osteoporosis. Overall, more study will be needed to develop and apply more efficient exercise programs for such patients.

• International Journal of Contents
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.35-39
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in skeletal muscle architecture and qualitative properties by muscle contraction force when neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of 50% MVIC was applied. Sixteen subjects (8 male, 8 female) without neuromuscular disease volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects were divided into two subgroups: control (no electrical stimulation) group and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) group. NMES training program was performed in the calf muscle three times a week for 10 weeks. Before and after the experiments, the MVIC of ankle plantar flexor was measured by the use of dynamometer, and the ultrasonography in the gastrocnemius medialis muscle was measured. The following results were obtained; MVIC was significantly increased in the electrical stimulation groups. Pennation angle, muscle density, and white area index also considerably changed in the electrical stimulation groups. In conclusion, the NMES training of 50% MVIC, comparative low level, improved the skeletal muscle architecture and the qualitative properties as well as the muscle contraction force.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.41-48
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• 2013

Purpose : The aim of this study was to compare the effect of task-oriented training using the PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and task-oriented training with chronic stroke patients. Methods : Sixteen chronic stroke patients participated. Participants were randomly assigned to the control and experimental group( 8 experimental, 8 control). All of participants were in-patients at local hospital and had been received training appropriate to the purpose of each group program. Experimental period was carried out 30 minutes/day, five days/week, during four weeks. The experimental group trained the task-oriented training using the PNF and control group trained the task-oriented training. Fugl-meyer assessment scale and Modified Barthel Index was measured to compare the upper arm function and activities of daily living. We were measured before and after the training. Results : The results of the study were as follow: Fugl-meyer assessment scale was significantly increased both groups(p<.05), and significant between groups(p<.05). Modified Barthel index was significantly increased both groups(p<.05) and between groups(p<.05). Conclusion : PNF can be effective in improving upper arm function and ability to perform daily life of chronic stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.203-213
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• 2015

Purpose: Deficits in lower-extremity function and trunk control ability have a negative impact on individuals with hemiplegia. This case report aimed to describe the effect of trunk stability exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on trunk control ability, balance, and gait in a patient with hemiplegia. Methods: A 77-year-old man with hemiplegia and trunk and lower extremity impairment participated in this four-week training intervention. Results: The patient demonstrated improvements in trunk control ability, balance, and gait performance. Outcome measures (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Trunk Control Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, 10 Meter Walk test) were measured before and after the training program. Conclusion: The results of this case suggest that a trunk stability exercise using a PNF program may improve trunk control ability, balance, and gait in a patient with hemiplegia.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.357-367
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• 2016

In this study, we examined the impact on balance ability and jump performance of soccer players with functional ankle instability using virtual reality based neuromuscular posture control fusion training. Soccer players were divided into 15 people of virtual reality-based neuromuscular posture control fusion training group and 15 people of common treadmill training group and performed for 30 minutes three times a week for 8 weeks. In order to evaluate the balance of ability, using biorescue, it measured surface area, whole path length, limit of stability. In order to measure jump performance, it measured counter movement jump with arm swing and standing long jump. The results showed the statistically significant difference in the balance comparison of surface area, whole path length, limited of stability and the jump performance comparison of counter movement jump with arm swing, standing long jump. As a result, virtual reality-based neuromuscular posture control fusion training was found to be more effective to improve its balance ability and jump performance than common treadmill training.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.65-74
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• 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was investigated of effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with mirror therapy on static balance, weight support and ankle movement incline with chronic stroke patients. Design: Two-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients participated in this study. The study design is a two-group pretest-posttest design. A total of 30 people participated in the study, and 15 people were each assigned to the experimental group and control group. Experimental group received neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with mirror therapy 30 minutes, and conventional physical therapy 30 minutes. Control group received conventional physical therapy 30 minutes. Both groups were conducted 5 times a week for 4 weeks. static balance and weight support was measured by force plate and ankle movement incline was measured by goniometer. Results: As a result of comparing the static balance, weight support and ankle movement incline change between experimental group and control group, statistically significant differences were found in all variables (p<.05). In the evaluation before and after the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in all variables in the experimental group (p<.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the control group (p>.05). Conclusion: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with mirror therapy intervention improves static balance, increase paretic side weight support and ankle movement incline in chronic stroke patients. It could be an effective intervention for improve static balance, weight support and ankle movement for chronic stroke patients.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.329-337
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional changes of the vastus medialis while the neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES) was performed in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis. The subjects of this study were 30 women who were diagnosed degenerative arthritis, 15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. The experimental group performed conventional physical therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and the control group received only conventional physical therapy, five times per week for four weeks. Outcome measures were assessed before and after 4weeks using the VAS(pain), quadriceps femoris strength, thigh circumference, and Q-angle. The data of the quadriceps femoris strength and thigh circumference were significantly increased in experimental group(p<0.05). The data the pain was significantly decreased in both the two groups(p<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in quadriceps femoris strength and thigh circumference between the two groups(p<0.05). As the result, the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the vastus medialis could be more effective for decrease pain and improving muscle function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.37-46
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• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combination of isotonic and rhythmic stabilization in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on trunk stability and balance in elderly people with chronic low back pain. Subjects : Thirty-two elderly people ($73.78{\pm}8.49$ years of age) who had complaints of CLBP were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group and control group. Methods : Subject trained with combination of isotonic and rhythmic stabilization in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for 4weeks with aim of improving trunk stability and balance. Weight distribution, trunk muscle balance, static balance ability and dynamic balance ability were measured before, at the end of training. Results : Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. After the exercise programs, there were significant differences in the weight distribution, trunk muscle balance and dynamic balance ability between the experimental and control group. However there was no significant difference in the one leg stance test(p<.05). Conclusion : This study suggest that PNF programs may be appropriate for improving trunk stability and balance in elderly people with CLBP.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.157-166
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• 2019

Purpose: This study compares and examines the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with chronic low back pain through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: Domestic literature was searched with combinations of keywords including "proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation," "PNF," "back pain," and "low back pain" using the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and Korean Medical Database (KMbase). Six studies (n=148) were finally included in the analysis through a selection and exclusion process. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: According to the meta-analysis results, the low back pains of the PNF group and the contrast group showed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.21 (95% CI: -3.35, -1.07, p=0.01, $I^2=83%$) after intervention. Thus, the PNF group showed a statistically significant decrease in low back pain compared with the control group. In addition, the SMDs of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lung function, and the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were -1.34 (95% CI: -1.88, -0.79, p<0.01, $I^2=35%$), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.49, 1.79, p=0.01, $I^2=0%$), and -1.59 (95% CI: -2.56, -0.62, p=0.01, $I^2=46%$), respectively. Thus, the PNF group showed statistically significant differences from the control group. Conclusion: At present, there is some limit to obtaining definite results about effect sizes because there are relatively few randomized controlled experiments that analyze the effects of PNF exercise in patients with chronic low back pain. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to conduct randomized clinical trials and long-term efficacy studies in the future.