• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2007

Purpose : To identify the effects of Hold-Relax of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the functional improvement of patients with neck myofascial pain syndrome. Methode : The present research investigated 60 patients with neck myofascial syndrome, dividing them into a group doing Hold-Relax of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and a group doing Stretching, This study examined degree of recovery from neck pain by comparing their neck myofascial pain syndrome before and after the treatment, and compared two groups to find difference in the degree of recovery from myofascial pain syndrome. Results : 1. For Hold-Relax of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group, the pain rating score (PRS) were significantly decreased for six weeks treatment. 2. For Stretching group, the pain rating score (PRS) did not indicate significant decrease for six weeks treatment. 3. For Hold-Relax of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group, range of motion of flexion, left rotation, right rotation indicated significant difference after pre test and after two week but no significant difference after four week. 4. For Stretching group, range of motion of flexion, left rotation, and right rotation except extension indicated significant difference after pre test and after two week but no significant difference after four week. Conclusion : The Hold-Relax of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is considered to be effective in increasing joint range of motion of patient and decreasing pain. Accordingly physical therapists has to learn a wide range of patterns and to develop various treatment techniques.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.69-78
• /
• 2015

This study evaluated and compared the effectiveness on upper motor extremity function between proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation which has been frequently used in clinical practice, and action observation training in terms of improving upper motor extremity function. A study with a single-subject design (A-B-C-A') was conducted with a patient who was diagnosed with left hemiplegia. A repeated-measure analysis was conducted to assess results of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Box and Block Test (BBT), and grip and pinch strength test performed daily in the study for 4 weeks. The results of the analysis indicated that the WMFT score, BBT score, grip strength, and pinch strength were improved from 29.60 to 39 (24.10%), from 1.67 to 4.93 each (EA) (66.22%), from 2.06 to 2.66 libras (lbs) (22.61%), and from 1.57 to 1.93 lbs (18.94%), respectively, from the baseline period to treatment period B. The values were improved from 29.60 to 42.20 (29.86%), from 1.67 to 7 EA (76.21%), from 2.06 to 3.47 lbs (40.57%), and from 1.57 to 1.67 lbs (6.12%), respectively, from the baseline period to treatment period C. From treatment period B to treatment period C, the WMFT score, BBT score, and grip strength were improved from 39 to 42.20 (7.58%), from 4.93 to 7 EA (29.56%), and from 2.66 to 3.47 lbs (23.20%), respectively, but pinch strength was decreased from 1.93 to 1.67 lbs (15.83%). In conclusion, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and action observation training both have positive effects on upper extremity motor function. However, we suggest that the posttreatment effect of action observation training was better than that of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.49-55
• /
• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to analyze the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity pattern on muscular strength and flexibility in an aquatic environment. Methods: Ten members of the experimental group and 10 members of the control group were randomly selected from 20 college students who are in their 20s. Bilateral symmetry pattern among proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity patterns was applied in an aquatic environment in the experimental group three times per week for a period of six weeks, and a set consisted of 10 times, which was repeated 10 times. On the other hand, subjects in the control group did not receive any treatment while maintaining daily life. Muscular strength was measured using a dynamometer and electromyogram system for maximum voluntary isometric contraction of hip flexor, hip extensor, knee flexor, and knee extensor. Cervical flexibility was measured using cervical range of motion instrument for cervical flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion. Lumbar flexibility was measured using back range of motion instrument II for lumbar flexion. Results: For the experimental group, significance was observed for hip flexor, extensor, knee flexor, extensor, cervical flexion, rotation, lateral flexion, and lumbar flexion. For the control group, no significance was observed for any other variables except for cervical flexion. As a result of observation of difference between the two groups, relatively high significance was observed in the experimental group, compared with the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation lower extremity pattern had a positive effect on muscular strength and flexibility in an aquatic environment.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.109-114
• /
• 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
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.37-46
• /
• 2007

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of combination of isotonic and rhythmic stabilization in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on trunk stability and balance in elderly people with chronic low back pain. Subjects : Thirty-two elderly people ($73.78{\pm}8.49$ years of age) who had complaints of CLBP were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental group and control group. Methods : Subject trained with combination of isotonic and rhythmic stabilization in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for 4weeks with aim of improving trunk stability and balance. Weight distribution, trunk muscle balance, static balance ability and dynamic balance ability were measured before, at the end of training. Results : Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. After the exercise programs, there were significant differences in the weight distribution, trunk muscle balance and dynamic balance ability between the experimental and control group. However there was no significant difference in the one leg stance test(p<.05). Conclusion : This study suggest that PNF programs may be appropriate for improving trunk stability and balance in elderly people with CLBP.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.157-166
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study compares and examines the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on patients with chronic low back pain through systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: Domestic literature was searched with combinations of keywords including "proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation," "PNF," "back pain," and "low back pain" using the Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), and Korean Medical Database (KMbase). Six studies (n=148) were finally included in the analysis through a selection and exclusion process. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: According to the meta-analysis results, the low back pains of the PNF group and the contrast group showed a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.21 (95% CI: -3.35, -1.07, p=0.01, $I^2=83%$) after intervention. Thus, the PNF group showed a statistically significant decrease in low back pain compared with the control group. In addition, the SMDs of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lung function, and the Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were -1.34 (95% CI: -1.88, -0.79, p<0.01, $I^2=35%$), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.49, 1.79, p=0.01, $I^2=0%$), and -1.59 (95% CI: -2.56, -0.62, p=0.01, $I^2=46%$), respectively. Thus, the PNF group showed statistically significant differences from the control group. Conclusion: At present, there is some limit to obtaining definite results about effect sizes because there are relatively few randomized controlled experiments that analyze the effects of PNF exercise in patients with chronic low back pain. Therefore, continuous efforts should be made to conduct randomized clinical trials and long-term efficacy studies in the future.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.197-203
• /
• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate useful manual therapy techniques for peripheral facial nerve palsy and to propose guidelines to be applied for current manual therapy techniques. Several databases were searched to find manual therapies for facial palsy. These therapies included cervical, and temporomandibular joint chuna manual therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, neuromuscular re-education, facial exercise, and mime therapy. Both cervical, and temporomandibular joint chuna manual therapy release nerve compression, helping blood circulation and nerve conduction. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation uses irradiation, bilateral activation, and eccentric facilitation to improve muscle power and symmetry. Neuromuscular re-education, as a retraining tool for facial movement patterns, enhances neuromuscular feedback. Facial exercise helps the patient continuously move and massage facial muscle themselves. Mime therapy aims to develop a conscious connection between the use of certain muscles and facial expressions. The use of facial chuna manual therapy for peripheral facial nerve palsy can stimulate the proprioceptive neuromuscular receptors in the face. Peripheral facial nerve palsy has 4 phases; progress phase, plateau phase, recovery phase, and sequelae phase. Each phase needs different treatments which include relaxation, assistance, resistance, origin-insertion extension, and nerve pathway expansion.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.3 no.4
• /
• pp.189-196
• /
• 1996

The purpose of this review are that what is the concept of sport P. N. F and to give the information about proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique when the sport physical therapy will be needed in field. Technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation are methods of placing specific demands in order to secure a desired response. Greatest emphasis was placed on the application of optimal resistance throughout the range of motion, using many combinations of motions which were related to primitive patterns and employment of postural and righting reflexes. The treatment after sport injury patient is required that two component actions of muscles as well as permitting action to occur at two or more joint. The effect of P. N. F and of sprot P. N. F are reviewed. Implications for treatment of sport disability are suggested.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• v.24 no.5
• /
• pp.313-318
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This study examined the effects of an exercise program involving the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) lower-extremity patterns on the Bone Mineral Density (BMD), balance and lower muscular strength in patients with osteoporosis. Methods: The participants were allocated randomly to 2 groups: experimental group and control group. To evaluate the effects of exercise, the subjects were evaluated using the BMD and Time Up & Go Test and One Leg Stance Test for balance, and the Sit To Stand for lower muscular strength. Results: After the 8 week study, the experimental group showed a significant difference in all items compared to the control groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that a PNF exercise program is effective in patients with osteoporosis. Furthermore, an exercise program involving these patterns can be used in a follow-up program for patients with osteoporosis. Overall, more study will be needed to develop and apply more efficient exercise programs for such patients.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.49-57
• /
• 2004

Objective : The purpose of this study was conducted to find treatment approach, functional test process with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF). Method : This is a literature study with books, seminar note and book for PNF international course. Result : Suggest of the functional test with functional level and structural level treatment approaching with hypotheses and problem list from the functional test and provide how, what, where for the treatment with the level. Conclusion : Treatment plan and approach has changed from disease to structure function, performance, participation the life, relationship with environment factors of human being. For the treatment approach need the functional test and functional goal.