• PNF and Movement
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.163-168
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• 2015

Purpose: The current study seeks to identify the effect of neck muscle strengthening exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the swallowing ability of patients diagnosed with dysphagia due to stroke. Methods: As a single case study, the current research conducted neck muscle strengthening exercise using PNF on the patient with dysphagia for 40 minutes, four times per week for a six-week period. At the same time, typical rehabilitation therapy for dysphagia was provided. This type of therapy included food-swallowing and the relation of the muscles surrounding the neck. The functional dysphagia scale and the penetration-aspiration scale were used to assess swallowing ability. Results: After the therapy, the functional dysphagia scale and the penetration-aspiration scale decreased by 18 points and 3 points, respectively, which proves the effectiveness of this type of therapy for dysphagia. Conclusion: The results of the current study indicate that neck muscle strengthening exercise using PNF reduces penetration-aspiration in patients with dysphagia, and that PNF can be clinically utilized to improve the swallowing ability of dysphagic patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.217-227
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises on the neck disability index and deep neck flexor endurance of acute whiplash injury patients and to provide basic data for PNF exercises for musculoskeletal system disorder patients. Methods: Twenty acute whiplash injury patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=10) and were treated with PNF exercises whereas a control group (n=10) underwent general exercises. Each session lasted 15 minutes and was performed five times a week for two weeks. The degree of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the degree of neck disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Craniocervical flexor endurance (CCFE) tests were conducted to measure deep neck flexor endurance. Results: In terms of the intragroup changes in VAS, NDI, and CCFE, there were significant decreases in both the experimental and the control groups. After intervention, there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in terms of intergroup changes in VAS, NDI and CCFE. Conclusion: Although the exercises that are generally applied to acute whiplash injury patients are effective on the whole, PNF exercises are considered to be beneficial, given the improvements in the neck disability index and deep neck flexor endurance.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.219-229
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• 2016

Purpose: Patients with Parkinson's disease suffer many restrictions in daily life. This case report investigated how intervention with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based physical therapy can affect the activities of Parkinson's patients. Methods: The subject was a 67-year-old female patient diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 3 years ago. Since the last five months, overall activities have become difficult for her, and she finally visited a hospital to take outpatient physical therapy because of the gait difficulties she suffered. The patient's medical history, system review, body structure and function, and activities were evaluated. The patient had difficulties in activities such as lying down, sitting, standing, maintaining a standing position, and walking. The PNF-based intervention was used for treating the impairments and improving the activities. The intervention was performed for 30 min a day, three times a week, for eight weeks. The qualifier of the international classification of functioning, disability, and health was used to measure the result, and the measurement was conducted before and after the intervention for eight weeks. Results: According to the result, the scores for maintaining a standing position, moving around within the home, and going to the toilet improved to "no problem" from "moderate problem." The scores for shifting the body's center of gravity, walking short distances, and washing oneself improved from "moderate problem" to "mild problem." The scores for sitting and standing improved to "no problem" and "mild problem" from "complete problem." The scores for preparing meals and doing housework improved from "severe problems" to "mild problem" or "moderate problem." The scores for walking long distances, moving around outside the home and other buildings, and using transportation did not show significant changes. Conclusion: Intervention with PNF-based physical therapy improved the activity of patients with Parkinson's disease, thus proving its effectiveness. The case report suggested that a therapist can use PNF as a physical therapy intervention for patients with Parkinson's who suffered restrictions in daily activities.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.167-175
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of Jeonbuk tri-pull taping and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise on the shoulder's active range of motion, pain, subluxation, upper extremity function, and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. Methods: In this study, Jeonbuk tri-pull taping and PNF exercise were applied to three patients with stroke and subluxation. The tape was removed and new tape applied for two days every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday over six consecutive weeks. PNF exercise was applied five times a week for six weeks. To measure the range of motion, a smart phone clinometer application was used, and the degree of pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). A jig measuring method was employed to measure the distance of subluxation. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) was used to evaluate arm function, and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) was employed to evaluate the activities of daily living. Results: The shoulder's active range of motion was improved in the patients compared to the range of pre-tests, and the pain and subluxation distance were reduced compared to those of pre-tests. Arm function and activities of daily living were increased compared to those of pre-tests. Conclusion: The study results verified that Jeonbuk tri-pull taping and PNF exercise are useful when applied to patients with subluxation and stroke.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제22권1호
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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.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제5권1호
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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.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.1-7
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study was conducted to find scapular movement instability related with shoulder complex and provide strengthening the scapular muscles with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Methods : This is a literature study with books and articles, seminar note and book for PNF international course. Results : The scapular serve as the platform for humeral motions. The scapulothoracic articulation is stabilized and controlled, in part, by the scapular muscles. Therefore, if scapular muscle function is altered, then dysfunctional scapulothoracic kinematics may result. Strengthening exercise for scapular muscles are a common part of rehabilitation programs designed for patients with scapular instability. Conclusion : Treatment of the scapular instability is provided. It is that treatment with combination of isotonic, stabilize reversal on different patient's positions.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.27-34
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• 2005

Objective : The purpose of this study was conducted to find correct head and neck patterns, manual contact. verbal commands with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Method : This is a literature study with books, seminar note and book for PNF international course. Result : Keep the information of the biomechanics and neural science in head and neck patterns and emphasize that manual contact, verbal commands and visual stimulus. Manual contacting for movement guide and stability of the $C_0/C_1$ verbal command and visual stimulus for correcting of the $C_0/C_1$ movements. Conclusion : In reminder for PNF learning, begin with head and neck and upper trunk patterns. In that time, Knott and Voss(1968) had not enough information about biomechanic movement components and neural science movement components. But Knott and Voss(1968) emphasized that head and neck patterns relate with trunk, upper extremities and lower extremities directly. Alar ligaments are relaxed with the head in neutral and taut in flexion. Axial rotation of the head and neck tightens both alar ligaments. The right upper and left lower portions of the alar ligament limit left lateral flexion of the head and neck. Therefore, head and neck patterns has to be modify. When head moving, eye and vestibular stimulus will be change. During head and neck patterns, must be consider about stimulus of eye system and vestibular system also.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.111-118
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on episodes of foot drop and the ability to cross obstacles in stoke patients. Methods: The patient was a 57-year-old man with left hemiplegia. This patient displayed episodes of foot drop while walking and issues with crossing obstacles. The patient underwent therapeutic exercises and occupational therapy twice daily at a hospital five times a week. The patient was treated with PNF outside of these therapeutic sessions. Each session, which was 60 minutes in length, was conducted 3 times a week over 8 weeks. Over the course of treatment, a pre-test and post-test were completed. The patient walked for a test time of 6M. During the testing process, the patient crossed obstacles. In addition, the number of foot drop episodes was recorded. Each test was measured three times to determine the mean value. Results: After the PNF treatments, the number of foot drop episodes decreased from five to one. The 6M walking test time during which the patient crossed obstacles also decreased from 18 seconds to 10 seconds. Conclusion: The use of PNF treatments is beneficial to reduce the number of foot drop episodes while walking and to improve the ability to cross obstacles in stroke patients.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.155-162
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• 2015

Purpose: The current study (case report) seeks to examine the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise program on the upper extremity function and activities of daily living (ADLs) in a stroke patient. Methods: The subject was a 42 year-old woman diagnosed with right-sided hemiplegia due to stroke. Exercise therapy was provided for 50 minutes per day (5-minute warm-up, 40-minute exercise, 5-minute wrap-up) three times per week for a four-week period. The manual function test (MFT) was used to evaluate upper extremity functions. The modified Barthel index (MBI) was utilized to measure ADL. Results: After intervention using various PNF program, the MFT score increased from 23 to 26 and the MBI score increased from 62 to 66. Conclusion: After the application of the PNF program, the MFT and MBI scores increased. As compensative movement of the upper extremities declined, the movement of the upper extremities became faster and softer.