• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.12
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• pp.665-673
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• 2009

This study was conducted to compare the PNF and Trunk Exercise Program has effectiveness on the pain, disability, static and dynamic balance in chronic low back pain patients. To evaluate the effects of exercise, subjects were evaluated by using VAS for pain, Oswestry disability index for disability, One leg stand test for static balance and Balance System for dynamic balance test. Pain, Oswestry disability index, One leg stand test, and Dynamic balance test in PNF had statistical significance than Trunk exercise program(p<0.05). So this results were suggested that the lifting and chopping pattern of PNF was effective on pain, disability and balance in chronic low back pain patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.169-174
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• 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of neck exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on dysphagia and neck pain in stroke patients. Methods: This study included 20 patients with stroke who performed the following neck exercises using PNF: flexion, lateral flexion, and rotation. The PNF technique was repeated under the guidance of verbal commands from a physical therapist. The exercise program consisted of 5 times, 30-minute sessions each week for four weeks. The Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the patients before and after the training. Swallowing ability was evaluated using MASA, and the patients' pain was evaluated using VAS. All data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: Significant differences were observed for the MASA and VAS in the subjects: MASA was significantly improved (p<0.00) and VAS was significantlyincreased (p<0.00). Conclusion: The neck is a very important part of the body in stroke patients. Neck exercises using PNF are effective for improving dysphagia and decreasing neck pain in patients with stroke. Thus, neck exercises using PNF are very effective for stroke patients, and this approach would be effective in clinical practice.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.149-155
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise in the progressive sitting position on the dynamic balance ability of a patient with a cerebellar injury. Methods: The subject had ataxia due to cerebellar injury. The subject participated in a PNF bilateral scapular pattern exercise with stabilizing reversal technique during a progressive sitting position session as well as baseline for 20 minutes a day for 4 weeks. In the first session, PNF exercises were performed at a height of 40 cm for 10 minutes, and in the second session they were performed at 50 cm for 10 minutes from a lower center of gravity (COG) to a higher COG sitting position. We used the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) to measure the subject's dynamic balance ability every two days through the entire session. Results: After participating in the program, the subject's dynamic balance ability improved compared to the first baseline, as measured by BBS (2 points increased), FTSST (5.3 sec decreased), and TUGT (2 sec decreased). The increase was also maintained in the second baseline session. Conclusion: PNF exercise using bilateral scapula patterns with a stabilizing reversal technique helps to enhance the dynamic balance ability of a cerebellar injury patient.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2005

Purpose : To describes the important aspects of scapular movement and function used when applying PNF technique to the upper limb and scapular. Method : The scapular was a very important roles in the upper limb movement. This study summarizes the physiologic movement of scapular to the PNF upper extremity patterns or scapular patterns. Result : The shoulder joint has the most freedom of range of motion in the human body, composed of the glenohumeral joint, the subacromial joint, the acromioclavical joint, the sternoclavicular joint, the scapulothoracic joint, the costosternal joint, and the costovertebral joint. During upper limb movement, the scapular position change at the sternoclavicular joint and the acromioclavical joint. This concerted motion was characterized by scapulohumeral rhythm. In clinical situations, it is import to understand factors affect the scapulohumeral rhythm so that optimal evaluation and therapeutic intervention can be devised. Conclusions : The scapular movement depend on the proper and coordinated contraction of muscles. Physical therapists need to understand the normal scapular movement relationships of the scapulohumeral rhythm under different interventions for PNF techniques application.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.140-155
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of scapular pattern of PNF on the pain level in whiplash injury patients. Pain level were assessed prior, after first, after second, after third, after fourth, and after fifth treatment. All 6 times were calculated pain level. To find out the effectiveness of scapular pattern of PNF, we were divide two groups. The one group was consisted of 25 patients that were treated with H/P electrical therapy and MFR, and the other group was consisted of 25 patients that were treated with H/P, electrical therapy, and scapular pattern of PNF. The results were as follow: 1. There were statistical significance on the pain level in MFR group during all treatment periods(p<0.05). 2. There were statistical significance on the pain level in scapular pattern of PNF group all during treatment periods(p<0.05). 3. Scapular pattern of PNF group had more statistical significance than MFR group on the pain level during all treatment periods(p<0.05). Consequently, this study suggest that scapular pattern of PNF technique has a very effectiveness to the whiplash injury patients.

• 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.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.11-20
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• 2009

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to find out which method is efficient to enhance the flexibility of lower back between PNF(Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), static and dynamic stretching. Methods : Subjects were 30 young people between the ages 17 and 19. They were randomly divided into three groups; static group(n=10) performed a static stretching, dynamic group(n=10) performed a dynamic stretching, and PNF group(n=10) performed a PNF stretching. Intervention was provided 5 days per week for 4 weeks. For each case, Trunk flexion forward, trunk flexion backward, trunk left lateral bending, trunk right lateral bending, trunk flexion forward a measuring instrument and tapeline were performed to measured the flexibility of lower back at different times(before starting the exercise, after 4 weeks). Results : The results of the study reveal that the lower back flexibility was a statistically significant difference in all groups(p<.05). There was statistically significant difference between PNF group and static group, PNF group and dynamic group. Conclusion : The finding indicated that PNF may be preferred technique for improving flexibility, and that flexibility training results in an increased consistency of flexibility scores.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.275-283
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• 2022

Purpose: This study focused on reviewing articles published in Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Movement to identify the current research trends featured in the journal. Methods: First, the most frequently used keywords in the 193 studies published in 2018 volume 16, issue 1, to 2021 volume 19, issue 3, were identified to determine the popularity of different topics. Information on the following parameters was collected for each study: research type, level of the study, research topic, diagnosis, application of PNF, and techniques applied. Results: Over the four-year period reviewed, "stroke" was the most frequently used keyword, followed by "balance" and "PNF." In terms of research type, observational analytical studies were the most frequently reported (52.85%), and experimental studies were the second-most common (37.82%). Regarding the research level, it was found that level 5 studies were the most frequent, at 49.74%, and level 2 studies accounted for 28.5% of the publications. Most of the studies stated "stroke patient" (26.42%) as the study diagnosis, except for the studies that recruited healthy people (36.79%). The majority of studies did not implement PNF treatments (15.54%), but a combination of isotonic techniques was most commonly used when PNF was applied. Conclusion: A broad range of topics and types of studies have recently been featured in the journal, including neurological impairments and musculoskeletal disorders. The findings of this review provide insight into future research trends and the direction of the journal PNF and Movement.

• 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.