• PNF and Movement
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.51-56
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the PNF stabilization technique for the hip joint and the bridging exercise on the trunk stabilizer muscles in healthy adults. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults were randomly allocated to either a PNF stabilization exercise group (n = 12) or a bridging exercise group (n = 16). The outcome measures included the contraction thickness ratio in the transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO), and the TrA lateral slide was assessed during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver using b-mode ultrasound. The researcher measured the abdominal muscle thickness of each participant before the therapist began the intervention and at the moment that the intervention was applied. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: The PNF intervention program showed a significant increase in the trunk stabilizer muscle. The percentage of change in the TrA thickness showed a significant interaction between intervention. However, there were no significant differences in the IO and EO between the two groups. Conclusion: The PNF stabilization technique for the hip joint can be used effectively to improve the IO and TrA muscles in healthy adults.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 2012

Background: The purpose of this study is on finding the effects of the lumbar stabilization exercise applied with the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique (PNF) to the balance and the gait of chronic stroke patients. Methods: An experiment was conducted using two sets of behavioral measures with 30 chronic stroke hospitalized patients in the rehabilitation center located in Incheon city. The 15 participants in group A were instructed to apply the traditional exercise therapy. And the other 15 participants were assigned to apply the lumbar stabilization exercise with the PNF technique. It was conducted for 30 minutes per three days for six weeks, which had eighteen times. Using the balance system, it was checked about the static and dynamic balance. Using the Gaitrite, it was checked about the ability of the gait. Results: There was a better effect on both groups especially with the static balance. Those who were applied the lumbar stabilization exercise with the PNF technique had a better result on the dynamic balance and the gait than those applied the traditional exercise therapy. Conclusion: This research shows that the Lumbar Stabilization Exercise applied with the PNF technique is more effective on dynamic balance and the gait performance ability of the chronic stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.19-29
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of a four-week scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique on scapular symmetry and range of flexion motion (ROM), pain, function, and quality of life (QOL) in post-mastectomy women with breast cancer. Methods: This study included 20 women divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). All patients performed complex decongestive physiotherapy for 40 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. The experimental group performed the extra scapular stabilizing exercise program using the PNF technique for 50 min daily, five times per week for four weeks. Scapular symmetry, shoulder flexion ROM, pain and function, and QOL were subsequently assessed. For ROM measurement, the range of shoulder flexion was measured using a clinometer smart phone application; the pain of the shoulder was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS); the scapular position was measured using a lateral scapular slide test (LSST); the level of pain and functional activity was measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); and the QOL was measured using Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast. Results: There were significant differences in shoulder flexion ROM, VAS, SPADI, and LSST 0˚ and 45˚ when the experimental group was compared with the control group (p < 0.05). After the intervention, there was an improved within-group change in the ROM, SPADI, LSST, and QOL in both the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a scapular stabilization exercise program using the PNF technique may be used as a possible treatment option for post-mastectomy women with breast cancer that aims to improve scapular position, shoulder ROM and function, and QOL.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) wrist taping, after the application of a rhythmic stabilization (RS) technique, on the decrease of pain and the increase of grip strength in physical therapists who complained of wrist pain and to provide basic data on interventions for wrist pain patients. Methods: The subjects were 15 peoples in their 20s who complained of pain with a visual analogue scale (VAS) at five points or higher due to overuse of their wrists. They were randomly assigned to a control group, to which PNF wrist taping was applied after stretching (n=7), or to an experimental group (n=8), to which PNF wrist taping was applied after application of the RS technique of PNF. The experiment was conducted for four weeks, five times per week. VAS was measured in order to measure pain decrease, and grip strength (GS) was measured using a dynamometer. In order to compare within-group differences before and after the intervention, a paired t-test was performed, and in order to compare differences between the two groups, the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used. All statistically significant levels were set at ${\alpha}=0.05$. Results: There were significant differences in changes of VAS and GS within each group before and after the intervention (p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: This study applied PNF wrist taping after the application of stretching or PNF RS to patients who complained of pain beyond a sense of discomfort; these interventions resulted in a decrease in pain and an increase in the grip strength of the subjects. Taping and therapeutic techniques using PNF are considered to be usefully applied as one of the programs to improve wrist pain patients' pain and grip strength.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.195-205
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stability techniques on walking speed, trunk stability, and balance in stroke patients. Methods: Ten stroke patients volunteered to participate in the study, and each of subjects was randomly assigned to either the stability technique (ST) group (n=5) or to the treadmill (TM) group (n=5). Each therapeutic exercise program was provided for 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The ST group performed a PNF pattern combined with stabilizing reversal and rhythmic stabilization of the PNF stability technique. Walking speed (measured using a 10-meter walking test), trunk stability (TIS), and balance (BBS, FRT) were evaluated before and after training. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. The significance level for statistical inspection was set at 0.05. Results: Both groups showed improvements on the 10-meter walking test, the trunk impairment scale, the Berg balance scale, and the functional reaching test. Conclusion: PNF stability techniques are effective for improving trunk stability, balance, and walking speed in stroke patients. For stroke patients, PNF stability techniques are very useful and effective, including in clinical practice.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.119-125
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• 2015

Purpose: The current study seeks to examine the effects of stabilizing reversal(SR) and rhythmic stabilization(RS) in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on static balance in normal female adults. Methods: Subjects included 20 healthy women in their 20s. They were randomly divided into SR and RS groups. To assess static balance before and after PNF intervention, the good balance system was used to measure the interior and exterior center of pressure (COP) movement distance, front and rear COP movement distance before and after the intervention, and velocity moment. Results: Interior and exterior COP movement distance, front and rear COP movement distance, and velocity moment decreased in the SR group, but no statistically significant differences were observed. In the RS group, the interior and exterior COP movement distance declined without any significant difference, while the front and rear COP movement distance and velocity moment significantly decreased. The interior and exterior COP movement distance, front and rear COP movement distance, and velocity moment declined more in the RS group than in the SR group. Conclusion: The findings of the current study indicate that the RS technique is more effective than the SR technique for improving the balance ability of healthy female adults. The results of this study can thus be utilized in the selection of effective interventions for improving the balance ability of healthy female adults.

• 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.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2011

Purpose: Study on the effect of the use of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) method by use of the direction and charge regulation which is the advantage of the Thera-band therapy on the walks and balances in old people and comparison with the result after applying the general PNF technique. Method: The study has been performed on 30 females over 65 years old. The study has been done by dividing the object group in 3 patterns, which are number 1, the comparison group of 10, two ones that are applied the PNF technique using Thera-band and third, the ones that are applied only the PNF technique. For the PNF and the Thera-band using PNF, we have divided the group into Combination of Isotonic technique and the Rhythmical stabilization technique according to the patient's acquaintance pattern and applied them to the patient's body. Evaluation was the balancing ability which was calculated by using the BIODEX Balance system / FRT and for the evaluation of walking ability, we have used the speed of walking for 10M / TUG. Result: In the comparison group of 10, the balancing ability and the walking ability did not change much before and after the experiment, which made it possible to compare the group with the other two easily(p>0.05). For the other two groups, we have recognized the enhancement both in the balancing ability and the walking ability, but they did not know much difference between themselves(p<0.05). Conclusion: Though there were not a big difference in the sense of improvement between the Thera-band using PNF and the PNF technique only, we could infer that these two therapy has enhanced much in the walking and balancing ability for people over 65 and through these result we can foresee that not only using the method shown in this study but also by using many advantages of Thera-band, we could diminish the tiredness of healer, enhance the efficiency of exercise in them and also by forming self training program for older people we could help them build the prevention program from falls.