• 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.

• 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.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the simultaneous application of the combination of isotonics (CI) in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and sport taping on the pain and grip strength of patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis among H badminton club members and to provide intervention methods for lateral epicondylitis. Methods: The subjects included 10 patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis. The CI technique in PNF as well as sport taping were applied to the subjects five times per week for two weeks. The visible analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure decreasing changes in pain, and a grip dynamometer was used to measure grip strength (GS). Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare values measured before and after the experiment in order to determine differences. Results: The intensities of pain of the experimental groups changed significantly between the times before and after the experiment (p<0.05), and grip strength also changed significantly from the time before after the experiment (p<0.05). Conclusion: When the CI technique of PNF as well as sport taping were applied to patients with lateral epicondylitis, the patients showed significant improvements in pain and grip strength. Since the intervention had quite positive effects on the subjects that complained of lateral epicondylitis by reducing their pain and increasing their grip strength, studies of efficient exercise interventions will be continuously conducted to propose the development of intervention programs.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of study was aimed to identify whether the painless dynamic PNF techniques makes any differences in reducing lymphedema by applying this technique to lymphedema patients, and to provide the basic reference data for the purpose of applying to lymphedema patients. Methods : A total of 40 women participated in this study, and they did PNF techniques before applying lymph compression bandages. Group 1 of 20 subjects performed PNF techniques three times a week with 30 minutes each time. Group 2 of 20 subjects only practiced edema reducing massaging for 30 minutes. Results : In addition, the interaction between treatment method and treatment time was significant (p<.0001), which indicates that the changes in edema rates by measurement times appear differently according to treatment methods. In this study, it means that the 'PNF techniques' group has a steeper slope of decline than the 'message' group. Conclusion : In conclusion, both massaging and PNF techniques helped to lower edema rates. Four weeks after the beginning of treatment, PNF techniques was exhibited as generating a large degree of decline in edema rates than massaging.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2008

Purpose : When the pliability of the Lumbar is degraded, the kinesiology function undergoes an influence and it receives an overload. Finally, it is connected with a Lumbar muscular injury. When it does the regular exercise treatment the lumbago patient the balance and function of changeover are improved. The purpose of this study is to review of effect of the PNF application for lumbago patient Methods : By using internet, we research the PubMed, Science Direct, KISS, DBpia and the article on the effect of PNF. We selected the article between 1970 and 2007. Key words were low back pain, lumbago, PNF. Results : PNF is a therapeutic exercise for central nervous system(CNS) patient and the peripheral nervous system(PNS) patient and it is widely applied from sports medicine in the last. According to research of the Jung Young Jo(2007) and Han Kou Soo(2002), PNF technique improves the pain and a condition of the lumbago patient. And the affection balanced change and dynamic balance change and spontaneous movable scope are improved. And it improved to daily life activity. According to research of Moore and Hutton(1980), Lee Kyoung Hye(1999), PNF stretching where it is one of muscular relaxation is good in lumbar muscle fascia ache solutions, and PNF stretching that muscle is relaxed and increases ROM by Reflective system of the vertebra. These researches is relation all each other. it have appeared many report of research about Pliability, muscular power, balance, mobility improve ADL movement of attendance ability and functional action improved excise therapy put effect about lumbago patient recently, it have appeared research about therapy of lumbago patient through PNF. But PNF technique is not application about lumbago patient in clinic, therefore also it is not enough for case study about this therapy. Conclusion : PNF improve combination operation of muscle, inconvenience decrease from daily life activity, ROM(range of movement) of lumbar is increase and Lumbago reduce. So we suggest that PNF will be applies on the lumbago patient and must do a many research.

• 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.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.22 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, based on ballistic stretching and the contract-relax technique, on hip joint flexibility and muscle tone in adults with shortened rectus femoris muscles. Methods: The study involved 40 adults with shortened rectus femoris muscles, identified using the modified Thomas test. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: PNF stretching, employing the contract-relax technique, and ballistic stretching. Measurements included muscle tension, hip joint range of motion, and muscle characteristics. The rectus femoris muscle shortening effect was confirmed by the modified Thomas test, while the flexibility effect was assessed through hip joint motion range. The muscle tension effect was determined using Myoton-PRO. Results: Both stretching methods resulted in significant improvements in modified Thomas test angles and frequency, with the PNF stretching group showing notably greater changes. However, neither stretching method significantly affected decrement or stiffness measurements. These findings suggest that PNF stretching may be more effective for certain outcomes compared to ballistic stretching. Conclusion: In summary, both stretching methods positively influenced flexibility and muscle tension, with PNF stretching showing a greater impact. These findings highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate stretching technique for achieving functional improvements in muscles, which could serve as valuable indicators for preventing and treating muscle injuries in both sports and daily activities.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.55-61
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find out which method was efficient to enhance the flexibility of lower back between PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and hamstring stretching. Method : subject were 20 young people between the ages 20 and 25. subjects were randomly assigned to one of 2groups; PNF(n=10), static(n=10). respective group received the same stretching does of 3days per week for 4weeks. Trunk flexion forward a measuring instrument and tapeline were performed to measurement the flexibility of lower back at different times(before starting the exercise, 4weeks after starting). Results : The results of the study were as follows: The lower back flexibility was increased significantly in PNF groups. PNF, static groups showed meaningful defference in trunk flexion forward. The finding indicate that PNF may be preferred technique for improving flexibility and that flexibility training results in on increased consistency of flexibility scores.