• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of neck patterns in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) for neck movement and the neck disability index (NDI) among adults with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Subjects in the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise group (PNFG, n = 20) received 20 minutes of PNF neck pattern (flexion-Rt. lateral flexion-Rt. rotation followed by extension-Lt. lateral flexion-Lt. rotation) 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured using absolute rotation angle (ARA), anterior weight bearing (AWB), range of flexion and extension motions (RFEM), and neck disability index (NDI) methods before and after the 4-week intervention period. Results: There were significant effects for the PNFG, pre- and post-intervention, in ARA, AWB, RFEM, and NDI. There were significant differences in ARA, AWB, RFEM, and NDI compared with CG. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the PNF neck pattern could be beneficial for adults with forward head posture.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.63-72
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on the swallowing function of stroke patients. Twelve-week PNF (facial, tongue, and breathing exercise) was applied in the experimental group consisting of 12 subjects, and a general swallowing exercise program was applied to the control group consisting of 12 subjects. In addition, the signs of improvement in the stroke patients (N=24) swallowing function were examined by conducting a video fluoroscopic swallowing study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS ver. 21.0 program, which was also utilized to gain statistical information (percentage, mean, and standard deviation), and paired t-test was conducted. As a result of the analyses, the following conclusions were arrived at. The 12-week PNF significantly improved the functional dysphagia scale, penetration-aspiration scale, pharyngeal transit time, swallowing response time, residue in valleculae, and residue in pyriform sinuses enhanced swallowing functions of the stroke patients (p<.05). In conclusion, the PNF intervention in the swallowing function of the stroke patients was found to be an effective exercise program.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.297-303
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of inhalation and exhalation exercise combined with upper extremity proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern on two spirometry values: forced volume vital (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Methods: Thirty-two healthy adults were divided into two groups: 1) a combined group, which performed upper extremity D2 flexion pattern (shoulder flexed/abducted/external rotated, forearm supinated, wrist radial deviated, and finger extended) during exhalation and D2 extension pattern (shoulder extended/adducted/internal rotated, forearm pronated, wrist ulnar deviated, and finger flexed) during inhalation; and 2) reverse combined group, which performed the D2 flexion pattern during inhalation and the D2 extension pattern during exhalation. The inverse application of upper extremity movements during inhalation and exhalation induced selective resistance or assistance on respiration. FVC and PEF were measured at two time points, before and after four weeks. Results: In both groups, the pre-post intervention comparison showed significant increases in FVC and PEF (p < .05). In the between-groups comparison, the reverse combined group showed a significantly higher PEF than the combined group at four weeks post intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The combined respiration exercise with reverse PNF upper extremity patterns using selective resistance showed an effective increase in PEF in healthy adults. Clinicians and researchers might consider using selective resistance as a widely applicable and cost-effective option for respiratory rehabilitation planning.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.4 no.1
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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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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.51-58
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and taping interventions on balance ability, joint position sense, and ankle joint strength. Methods: Thirty subjects who had experienced an ankle sprain within the previous 3 months participated in this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to a PNF group (n=15) or a taping group (n=15). Before and after the interventions, ankle dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion strength, joint position error, and total center of pressure movements in one leg while in a standing position were measured. Results: Regardless of the group allocation, ankle dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion strength significantly improved after the interventions (p<0.05). Compared to preintervention measurements, joint position errors were significantly reduced postintervention (p<0.05). The PNF intervention significantly decreased the total lateral movement of the center of pressure in the one leg standing condition (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both PNF and taping interventions improved joint position sense and ankle joint strength. In common with the findings of a previous study, the PNF intervention improved balance ability. Further study is required to investigate the effects of various PNF and taping interventions on ankle performance in subjects with chronic ankle sprains.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.143-150
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of opposite lower extremity lateral muscle activation by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise targeting the lower extremities. Methods: Nineteen patients with chronic hemiplegia volunteered to participate in this study. PNF flexion, abduction, and internal rotation patterns; initial, end range, and extension patterns; abduction and internal rotation patterns; and initial and end range patterns were applied to the dominant lower extremity. Activation of lateral muscles (multifidus, gluteus medius, tensor fascia lata, and peroneous longus) of the paralyzed leg was then measured by electromyography (EMG). Results: There were significant differences in lateral muscle activation, depending on the PNF pattern applied, with the differences more significant in flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and end range patterns. Conclusion: PNF flexion, abduction, and internal rotation patterns can improve lateral muscle activation of one leg in the standing position in the gait cycle.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was conducted to find out observation at gait analysis of the stroke patient with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) concept. Methods : This is a literature study with books, seminar note and international PNF course book. Results : Stroke patient gait was poor initial contact by weakness of tibialis anterior or weakness of contralateral plantar flexor, poor loading response by loss of deep sensation, poor mid stance by loss of deep sensation, weakness of tibialis anterior and weakness of plantar flexors eccentric control, poor terminal stance, pre-swing, initial swing by loss of deep sensation and stiffness fo deep toe flexors. Conclusion : Stroke patient gait determine on loss of mobility, pain, fear, trunk muscle weakness, loss of coordination, loss of deep sensation, neglect and apraxia. Therefore observational gait analysis of the stroke patient focus on gait cycle and take out hypotheses from the gait cycle. These hypotheses have to define accept or not by parameters. Treatment plan made with the hypotheses.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of passive stretching, active stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) for hamstring flexibility. Methods : Fifty-two college students volunteered for this study. Subjects were randomly devided into three groups : passive stretching, active stretching, PNF. Range of knee extension was measured with the subjects in the 90-90 straight leg raising at before and 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after intervention. Results : In ROM changes 1st week, 3 groups were significant difference(p<.05). In ROM changes 3rd week, PNF group was significant difference(p<.05). ROM changes 1st week were significantly decreased from ROM changes 2nd week and 3rd week in all 3 groups(p<.05). Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that PNF is more effective method on hamstring flexibility than passive stretching or active stretching.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.3 no.1
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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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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.97-104
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• 2017

Purpose: This study seeks to determine the effect of a lower extremity strengthening exercise that uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the gait and balance ability of a stroke patient. Methods: In this case study, a lower extremity strengthening exercise that used PNF was performed by the subject for 30 minutes 4 times per week for a 4-week period alongside typical rehabilitation therapy. The lower extremity pattern used flexion-abduction-internal rotation with knee flexion, extension-abduction-internal rotation, bilateral leg extension pattern. The 10 m walk test and 6 minute walk test were used to assess gait ability. The Berg balance scale was used to assess balance ability. Results: After the intervention, the time for the 10 m walk test decreased by 5.72 sec, the distance for the 6 minute walk test decreased by 20 meters, and the score on the Berg balance scale improved by 7 points, which indicates the effectiveness of this therapy for stroke patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a lower extremity strengthening exercise using PNF can improve the gait ability and balance ability of stroke patients.