• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.170-173
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• 2014

In order to assess the impact of proprioceptive exercises on the position sense ability of the knee joint, we conducted an analysis using Biodex System $3pro^{(R)}$, targeting 42 ordinary people (male=22, female=20). After applying proprioceptive exercise, we measured changes in balance and flexibility, and active articular position sense (AAPS), depending on gender. To find out the change in each measurement item variable, we carried out dependent t-tests. The statistical significance level was set to 0.05. The research showed that after applying the proprioceptive exercise, AAPS was significantly improved for both men and women (p<.01). In the case of women, the flexibility was significantly improved (p<.01). Also, the balance was significantly improved for both men and women (p<.01). Therefore, the proprioceptive exercise program is considered to be very useful in improving muscle and joint function, and preventing injuries. Thus, continuous clinical studies using Biodex system $3pro^{(R)}$ are required for a variety of scientific evaluations of proprioceptive skills.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.225-232
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the lower extremity function of chronic stroke patients. Methods: The participants consist of 26 chronic stroke patients. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=13) or a control group (n=13) and engaged in exercise three times per week for eight weeks. The experimental group engaged in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises and the control group engaged in general mat exercises. To measure lower extremity strength, the sit to stand test and the static balance test (standing on one leg) were used. To measure the stability index (SI) and weight distribution index (WDI), a Tetrax Portable Multiple System (Tetrax Ltd, Israel) was used in addition to a static balance test (standing on one leg). Results: : Lower extremity strength and static balance showed a significant improvement in the experimental group (p<.05). The SI and WDI were significantly improved in the experimental group (p<.05) for tests of standing with their eyes open, standing with their eyes closed, and standing on a sponge with their eyes open. Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises have confirmed that lower extremity function improves after exercise interventions in chronic stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2013

Purpose: Proprioceptive function has been known to be important to shoulder stability. However, the function in rotator cuff tear patients is rarely investigated. The purpose of current study is to report the proprioceptive function in rotator cuff tear patients and to analyze the proprioceptive function regarding the tear size and the presence of subscapularis tear. Materials and Methods: Between 2011 and 2012, total 76 patients (male 28 and female 48) were recruited and average age was 61.7 years old (range, 38~76). Preoperatively, joint position senses in internal and external rotation were measured for proprioceptive function testing by method of active re-positioning technique. The absolute difference from set point was measured. Proprioceptive function was further analyzed according to tear size of rotator cuff, the presence of subscapularis tear, visual analogue scale of pain, shoulder functional score (American society of elbow and shoulder score), and ranges of motion in shoulder. Results: The absolute difference for external rotation was $4.9^{\circ}{\pm}2.9^{\circ}$, in normal joint and $4.9^{\circ}{\pm}3.0^{\circ}$for involved joint in rotator cuff tear patients. This difference was not significant statistically (p=0.87). The absolute difference for internal rotation was $4.0^{\circ}{\pm}2.7^{\circ}$in normal joint whereas $4.8^{\circ}{\pm}3.7^{\circ}$ for involved joint showing statistically significant difference (p=0.043). There was some trend that the proprioceptive function of internal rotation was more impaired in the bigger tear size group (more than medium tear) compared to the smaller tear size group (partial thickness and small tear, 5.0 vs. 4.0, p=0.061). The impairment of internal rotation proprioception was also accentuated in patients with subscapularis tear (4.8 vs. 4.0, p=0.065). The proprioceptive function of internal rotation was decreased when the pain visual analogue scale was increased (5.2 vs. 4.0 p=0.04), shoulder functional score was decreased (6.1 vs. 4.2, p=0.005), or range of motion in shoulder joint was restricted (5.3 vs. 3.7, p=0.041). Conclusion: The deficit of proprioceptive function was observed in rotator cuff tear patients. Proprioception for internal rotation was impaired in patients with the bigger tear size and subscapularis tear. Pain, shoulder function score, and range of motion were also shown to be related with the deficit in proprioceptive function.

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

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2010

The present study examined the effects of functional electrical stimulus(group 1), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(group 2) and combined training of functional electrical stimulus and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(group 3) with scapula adductor muscles on scapula movement, upper limb function and gait in fifteen subjects stroke patients. The training was thirty minutes a day, five times a week for six weeks, obtained result as follow, upper limb function was significant difference in the group 2(p<.05) but no significant difference in other groups. The change of weight bearing were significant difference in all the groups(p<.05), and increase of gait velocity were significant difference in all the group(p<.05). In conclusion, when applied with functional electrical stimulus, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and combined training to the scapular adductor muscles, it was oberved in the course of the experiment that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation was the most effective treatment among the three methods applied to the scapula adductors.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.31-39
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• 2017

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short neck flexor strengthening in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing function in patients with chronic stroke and to provide basic data for swallowing rehabilitation in stroke patients. Method : The study involved 30 chronic stroke patients who visited ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ General Hospital in Daegu Metropolitan City between March and July, 2017. The subjects were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). Both groups underwent traditional swallowing rehabilitation therapy for 30 minutes five times a week over a six-week period. The experimental group performed short neck flexor exercises, which are part of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, for 30 minutes three times a week over a six-week period. The control group performed neuromuscular electrical stimulation for 30 minutes three times a week over a six-week period. Based on its results, changes in the patients' swallowing function and degree of food intake were analyzed. Result : In terms of the ASHA NOMS scale and new VFSS scale, the experimental group and the control group showed statistically significant changes in ten sub-items and six sub-items, respectively. Statistically significant differences in one sub-item were found between the groups. Conclusion : PNF-based short neck flexion exercise appear to be effective at improving swallowing function of stroke patients with dysphagia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.65-76
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• 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study were to determine an intervention that involves proprioceptive exercises combined with cognitive task completion for adults with chronic ankle instability and to investigate the effects of the exercises on the static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle function of such individuals. METHODS: A total of 30 adults suffering from the aforementioned condition were randomly divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group performed proprioceptive exercises in combination with cognitive tasks for 15 minutes in each session that was held three times a week for four 4 weeks, whereas the control group carried out only proprioceptive exercises. A Wii Balance Board, which enables examining the fluctuation area distance, and speed, was used to determine static balance; a Y-balance test kit was employed to measure dynamic balance; and the side hop, figure-of-8 hop, and square hop tests were conducted to ascertain ankle function. RESULTS: The results showed that the static balance, dynamic balance, and ankle function of both the experimental and control groups significantly improved. The participants were instructed to perform one-leg postural exercises with and without vision blocking for the affected leg. The experimental group showed more significant improvement than did the controls in terms of the fluctuation distance, speed, and area of static balance. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, although combined proprioceptive exercises and cognitive tasks were insufficient to enhance all types of balance among the subjects, it effectively reinforced their static balance.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.19-29
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• 2008

Background : Ankle inversion sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports and activities of daily living that mostly concern physically active individuals. In most researches, proprioceptive deficit, muscle weakness and/or absent coordination have been regarded as a contributing factors. Despite the high incidence of ankle sprain and instability, therapeutic approaches to properly manage the symptoms have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to identify the effect of proprioceptive exercise program that is easy to integrate in normal training program. Methods : Subjects were randomly allocated to control group and experimental group consisting of 11 and 10 patients, respectively. The conservative treatment for the control group consisted of hot packs, ultrasound and TENS. In addition, the experimental group performed 7 exercises to enhance proprioceptive function of ankle joint. The therapeutic intervention of the controland experimental groups was performed a total of 20 exercise sessions, averaging 50 hour each, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. To compare the two groups, the level of ankle disability was assessed by using the ankle injury score scale in pre- and post-treatment. Results : On assessment of post-treatment, there were statistically significant differences in the scores of all sub-items, except for ankle laxity and range of motion, and the total score of ankle injury score scale between the two groups(p<0.05). In comparison between pre- and post-treatments, the significant difference in the scores of all sub-items and total score didn't appear for the control group, while the scores of most sub-items and total score of the experimental group were shown the statistically significant difference(p<0.05). Conclusion : The findings suggest that the proprioceptive exercise program is more effective for relieving ankle disability than conservative treatment therefore, the program to improve proprioceptive function should be recommended for prevention and rehabilitation of recurrent ankle inversion injuries.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2021

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) respiratory muscle strengthening exercise on the pulmonary function, back pain, and disability level of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: There were 24 CLBP patients randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 12) who took part in PNF respiratory muscle strengthening exercise and the control group (n = 12) who performed a mock treatment. Both groups performed their respective interventions for 15 min five times per week for four weeks. The pulmonary function was measured using a portable spirometer. The back pain of the participants was assessed using a visual analogue scale. The Oswestry disability index was conducted to measure disability level. A paired t-test was performed to compare within-group changes before and after the PNF respiratory muscle strengthening exercise. Differences between the experimental and the control groups were analyzed using an independent t-test. For all tests, the level of statistical significance was α = 0.05. Results: The within-group change in pulmonary function was significantly different in the experimental group (p < 0.05), and the levels of back pain and disability were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). There was also a significant between-group difference in pulmonary function, back pain, and disability level after intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that PNF respiratory muscle strengthening exercise enhances pulmonary function and reduces levels of back pain and disability in patients with CLBP.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.249-258
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• 2014

Purpose: This study examines deficits in upper-extremity function and trunk control ability on the osmotic demyelination syndrome of a patient with Hyponatremia and Hypokalemia. Using a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation program, this case report aims to describe the effects of trunk stability exercises on trunk control ability, hand function, and daily living activities as well as its effects on the osmotic demyelination syndrome of a patient with Hyponatremia and Hypokalemia. Methods: The patient is a 47-year-old woman with osmotic demyelination syndrome as well as trunk and upper extremity impairment. She participated in this training intervention for four weeks. Results: The patient demonstrated improvements in trunk control ability, hand function, and performance of ADL. The following outcomes were measured before and after the training program: trunk impairment scale, hand power, Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, the Chedoke arm and hand inventory, and the modified Barthel index. Conclusion: The results suggest that trunk stability exercises in the form of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation program in Hyponatremia and Hypokalemia patients may increase trunk control ability, increase hand function, and improve ADL.