• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.281-292
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• 2011

In this study, for examining an effect of lower limbs' muscle activity on balance capability when applying sprinter pattern among the PNF, the experiment was conducted as followed. Under the object of 24 people diagnosed by hemiplegia, they were divided into control group and experimental group and the experiment was conducted on the experimental group, three times per a week for six weeks. Experimental group received Sprinter pattern of combined PNF upper extremity and lower extremity pattern. For the lower limbs' muscle activity, effective values of Vastus medialis laterails, medial lateral hamstrings, lateral gastrocnemius' action potential were analyzed. The balance ability tests was conducted with FICSIT-4, FSST and MTD-Balance system. For the significance test of control group and experimental group for measuring time by exercise application method, two-way repeated measure ANOVA was conducted and for the significance test among the groups by each measuring time, independent t-test was conducted. Also, for examining the correlation among the measuring item, pearson correlation was used for the analysis. As the result, the application of sprinter pattern increased muscle activity of lower limbs in paretic side and improve static and dynamic balance ability effectively. Therefore, it will be necessary to develop new intervention by combining active application of the therapeutic intervention program for lower limbs' effective muscle mobilizing in paretic side with various exercising patterns.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2006

Purpose : The purposes of this study were to test the effect of proprioceptive and vestibular sensory input on expression of BDNF after traumatic brain injury in the rat. Subject : The control group was sacrificed at 24 hours after traumatic brain injury. The experimental group I was housed in standard cage for 7 days. The experimental group II was housed in standard cage after intervention to proprioceptive and vestibular sensory(balance training) for 7 days. Method : Traumatic brain injury was induced by weight drop model and after operation they were housed in individual standard cages for 24 hours. After 7th day, rats were sacrificed and cryostat coronal sections were processed individual1y in goat polyclonal anti-BDNF antibody. The morphologic characteristics and the BDNF expression were investigated in injured hemisphere section and contralateral brain section from immunohistochemistry using light microscope. Result : The results of this experiment were as follows: 1. In control group, cell bodies in lateral nucleus of cerebellum, superior vestibular nucleus, purkinje cell layer of cerebellum and pontine nucleus changed morphologically. 2. The expression of BDNF in contralateral hemisphere of group II were revealed. 3. On 7th day after operation, immunohistochemical response of BDNF in lateral nucleus, superior vestibular nucleus, purkinje cell layer and pontine nucleus appeared in group II. Conclusion : The present results revealed that intervention to proprioceptive and vestibular sensory input is enhance expression of BDNF and it is useful in neuronal reorganization improvement after traumatic brain injury.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.47-54
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was investigated to find the approach in the various method for patients with chronic low back pain. Methods : For research purposes that meet the search was focused papers. Treatments include PNF, chiropractic, joint mobilization, microcurrent, electroacupuncture, stabilizing exercise, resistance exercise, aquatic rehabilitation exercise, lumbar flexion and extension exercise were included as Gymball exercise. Results : Treatment with the three major manual therapy, electrical therapy and therapeutic exercise were divided. The result of applying manual therapy increased balance, increased strength, stability increased and decreased pain. The result of applying the electrical therapy increased flexibility, and decreased pain. The result of applying therapeutic exercise increases muscle strength, reduced pain, and decreased body fat. Conclusion : Previous studies by examining the effects of chronic low back pain treatment was intended to help in the selection and application Aquatic therapy, manual therapy, electrical therapy for patients with chronic low back pain with pain reduction was found to be effective.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.423-433
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• 2021

Purpose: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a method for promoting functional movements by facilitating neuromuscular responses through the stimulation of proprioceptors in the body using spiral and diagonal patterns. Irradiation, a basic principle of PNF, is a phenomenon in which the muscle activity of a body part caused by resistance is increased or spread into muscles in other parts via their connected muscles. Resistance training can be divided by body alignment into closed and open chain exercises. Methods: In this study, 19 healthy men in their 20s and 30s were selected as subjects. They performed PNF hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation motions on their dominant side in an open chain exercise posture in which the nondominant sole was away from the wall, and in a closed chain exercise posture in which the sole was fixed to the wall. The nondominant leg's muscle activity was measured while resistance was maintained with applied pressure at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the maximum muscle strength in the last range of motions. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for a comparative analysis of the contralateral leg's muscle activity according to the chain exercise postures and the intensity of resistance intensity during PNF hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation. In addition, an independent sample T-test was conducted for a comparative analysis of each chain exercise posture according to the intensity of resistance. A one-way ANOVA and a Scheffe post-hoc test were also performed to analyze the contralateral leg's muscle activity according to the intensity of resistance in the closed and open chain exercise postures. Results: Results of the two-way ANOVA found that the gluteus medius and the biceps femoris had statistically significant differences in both the chain exercise postures and resistance intensity (p<0.05), and that the vastus medialis and the gastrocnemius did not exhibit statistically significant differences in the chain exercise postures (p>0.05) but showed statistically significant differences in resistance intensity (p<0.05). As a result of the independent sample T-test, the application of the PNF hip flexion-abduction-internal rotation pattern led to a statistically significant difference in the contralateral gluteus medius during the closed chain exercise posture (p<0.05). According to the results of the one-way ANOVA and the Scheffe post-analysis, statistically significant differences were observed in the gluteus medius at 50%, biceps femoris at 75%, vastus medialis at 100%, and gastrocnemius at 100% during the closed chain exercise posture based on a resistance intensity of 0% (p<0.05). In the open chain exercise posture, statistically significant differences were found in the gluteus medius at 50%, biceps femoris at 50%, and vastus medialis at 75% based on the resistance intensity of 0% (p<0.05). In the same posture, there was no significant difference in the gastrocnemius's resistance intensity (p>0.05). Conclusion: When the PNF leg pattern is applied, each muscle requires effective chain exercise postures and resistance intensity to generate the contralateral leg muscle's irradiation.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.27-37
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• 2010

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stepper exercise using lower extremity patterns of PNF(Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on ankle muscle strength and balance ability of females in their twenties. Method : Twenty subjects participated in this experiment were carried out the exercise program dose of 5 days per week for 2 weeks. They were divided into two groups; using twist stepper group(lower extremity patterns of PNF group, n=10) and using straight stepper group(n=10). The effects of twist stepper and straight stepper were evaluated by measurements of normal standing(NSEO, NSEC), and dynamic type 1 and dynamic type 2, respectively. For each case, the experimental data were obtained about static balance in 3 items : mean X speed, mean Y speed and velocity moment, that of dynamic balance in 4 items : mean X speed, mean Y speed, time, distance. Results : The results of this study were as follows; 1) In straight stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right/left ankle muscle strength in case of dorsi-flexion. 2) In twist stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right/left ankle muscle strength in case of dorsi-flexion. 3) In straight stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right ankle muscle strength in case of plantar-flexion. 4) In twist stepper group, the statistically significants were significants were shown on right/left ankle muscle strength in case of plantar-flexion. Conclusion : The above results revealed that twist stepper exercise using lower extremity patterns of PNF was more effective than straight stepper exercise for improving the ankle muscle strength.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.856-863
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• 2013

Application of rhizospheric fungi is an effective and environmentally friendly method of improving plant growth and controlling many plant diseases. The current study was aimed to identify phytohormone-producing fungi from soil, to understand their roles in sesame plant growth, and to control Fusarium disease. Three predominant fungi (PNF1, PNF2, and PNF3) isolated from the rhizospheric soil of peanut plants were screened for their growth-promoting efficiency on sesame seedlings. Among these isolates, PNF2 significantly increased the shoot length and fresh weight of seedlings compared with controls. Analysis of the fungal culture filtrate showed a higher concentration of indole acetic acid in PNF2 than in the other isolates. PNF2 was identified as Penicillium sp. on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence similarity. The in vitro biocontrol activity of Penicillium sp. against Fusarium sp. was exhibited by a 49% inhibition of mycelial growth in a dual culture bioassay and by hyphal injuries as observed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, greenhouse experiments revealed that Fusarium inhibited growth in sesame plants by damaging lipid membranes and reducing protein content. Co-cultivation with Penicillium sp. mitigated Fusarium-induced oxidative stress in sesame plants by limiting membrane lipid peroxidation, and by increasing the protein concentration, levels of antioxidants such as total polyphenols, and peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activities. Thus, our findings suggest that Penicillium sp. is a potent plant growth-promoting fungus that has the ability to ameliorate damage caused by Fusarium infection in sesame cultivation.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.81-93
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• 2022

Proprioception training has been considered a secondary method to facilitate postural control ability. This study investigated the effects of two different proprioception training methods - the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and visual feedback-based joint position and force reproduction (VF) - on postural control advancements. Sixteen healthy people volunteered for this study, and they randomly grouped two. Each group participated in the PNF and VF training for three weeks. We evaluated each subject's proprioception levels and balance ability before and after the training. We used a clinometer and electromyogram (EMG) for VF training. The joint position reproduction test was also used to evaluate the position and force aspects of the proprioception level. We analyzed the trajectory of the center of pressure (COP) while subjects were standing on the firm floor and balance board with one leg using a pressure mat. The improvement of the position aspect of the proprioception level of the VF group (4.93±4.74°) was larger than that of the PNF group (-0.43±2.08°) significantly (p=0.012). The improvement of the anterior-posterior COP velocity of the PNF group (0.01±0.01 cm/s) was larger than that of VF group(0.002±0.01 cm/s) significantly (p=0.046). Changes of position error in the PNF group (rho=0.762, p=0.028) and tibialis anterior force reproduction error in the VF group showed a significantly strong relationship with balance ability variables. These results showed that different PNF and VF have different effects on improving two aspects of proprioception and their relationship with the balance ability. Therefore, these results might be useful for selecting proprioception or balance rehabilitation considering the clinical and patients' situation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.17-24
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a combination of isotonic (CI) technique on the balance, muscle fatigue and muscle activities of the quadriceps muscle in the paretic leg of hemiplegic patients. Method: All the subjects received a combined isotonic technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) for about 30 minutes 3 times per week for 6 weeks. The root mean square (RMS) and mid frequency (MF) were recorded by surface electromyography (EMG)(EMG/EP system, OXFORD Medelec, UK) during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). The balance ability was measured by a balance system (BIODEX, USA). Result: The RMS of the quadriceps muscle at post-treatment was significantly increased compared to that at pretreatment (p<0.05). Yet there was no significant difference among the three muscles. There were no significant difference in the MF of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris between pre- and post-treatment, but the MF of the vastus medialis was significantly decreased (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the vastus medialis and lateralis between pre- and post-treatment (p<0.05). Moreover, the overall stability index at post-treatment was significantly decreased compared to that at pre-treatment (p<0.05). But there was no significant difference between the anterior/posterior and medial/lateral stability indexes. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that a CI technique of PNF had an effect to improve the balance and muscle activity in hemiplegic patients.

• 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 Physical Therapy
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.109-114
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• 1993

The originator of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation method was Dr. Herman Kabat, a man who received the bachelor of science degree from New York University in 1932. In 1936 he moved to the University of Minnesota where he served as instructor in physiology and also studies medicine. He received his medical doctorate in 1942. When Dr. Karbat meet Sister Kenny suggested that certain change. She does not receptive his ideas. So that he decided to pursure the treatment of patients. Upon the establishment of the Karbat- kaiser Institute to be opened in 1946. Margaret Knott, the first physical therapist to be employed by him and to become his head physical therapist. In 1948 Vallejo center was opened. Dr. Kabat developed the PNF method combined motions to ascertain the effectiveness of maximal resistance and stretch in facilitating the response of a weak distal muscle. He identified mass movement patterns that were spiral and diagonal in character in 1965. Margaret Knott presented lecture at tile APTA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. The title was In the groove. On December 18, 1978 she passed away at her home in Vallejo. Marie-Louise Mangold is director of the Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center now. She is the Vice President of International Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation Association. About 20 physical therapist working teaching and study at KFRC in Vallejo. PNF neuromuscular mechanism becomes integrated and efficient without awareness of individual muscle action, reflex and a multitude of other neurophysiological reactions. The principles of PNF are visual consideration, verbal consideration, and proprioceptive input consideration with tactile stimulation, joint receptors, appropriate facilitation, stretch reflex normal timing, irradiation, pattern of movement.