• PNF and Movement
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.35-47
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• 2004

Purpose : The purpose of this article was to review the literature on contractile properties of skeletal muscle with reference to its molecular and functional diversity. Method : This review outlines scientific findings regarding different contractile properties in skeletal muscle fibers, and discusses their involvement in functional diversity. Result & Conclusions: Muscle fibers possess distinct mechanical and energetic properties. Myosis, one of the primary contractile muscle proteins, displays structural, functional variability and plays the role of the molecular motor of muscle contraction. Muscle satellite cells are normally mitotically quiescent, but initiate proliferation and give rise to daughter myogenic precursor cells as required for the postnatal growth and regeneration of adult muscle. Passive extensibility is an important component of total muscle function because it allows for the maximal length of skeletal muscles. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) stretching can help to restore or improve flexibility and coordination, thereby improving overall muscle function.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.39-45
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this article was to review the literature on change of knee position sense after total knee replacement intervention in knee rehabilitation. Methods : This review outlines scientific findings regarding different literature data in knee rehabilitation, and discusses proprioceptive change of knee joints after total knee replacement intervention. Result : Severe pain and diminished joint sensation may precipitate degenerative changes of knees joint, and a strong association between decreased proprioception and function has been identified in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Total knee replacement(TKR) of the knee joint are effective surgical procedures in osteoarthritis patients, resulting in decreased pain, and improved physical function and quality of life in patients. After total knee replacement, joint position sensation is partially recovered, which may improve functional stability of the knee, but aspects of physical functioning are not fully restored to preoperative status. Conclusions : Thus, recovery rate in proprioception after TKR also is considered to be important because it may be a significant risk factor in failure of total knee replacement and knee rehabilitation intervention.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.317-332
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• 2018

Purpose: Patients with tibial fractures can have functional problems with balance and gait, as well as lower extremity muscle weakness. This case report aimed to describe the effect of hip joint strengthening exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on balance and gait and lower limb function in a patient with tibia fracture. Methods: One patient diagnosed with tibial fracture was treated for seven weeks with the basic procedure, pattern, and technique of PNF for a hip joint strengthening exercise. Results: The results of pre- and post-intervention treatment showed improvements in physical function and structure in the clinical tests, including the manual strength test; the modified Ashworth scale; sensory evaluation; balance, sit-to-stand, and gait performance; and evaluation of lower limb function. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the use of theory-based proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation for hip joint strengthening exercises positively affects patients' functional improvement in tibial fracture patients, and this may be used as a therapeutic exercise method for those with orthopedic problems in the lower extremities. One limitation of this study was that it was performed on only one tibia fracture patient, which makes it difficult to extend the treatment effects to all patients with this condition.

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

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. Methods: PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST). Results: Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention. Conclusion: The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

• 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.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on gait speed in a stroke patient with genu recurvatum. Methods: The subject was a 52-year-old female diagnosed with stroke. Information on health was collected through client Interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF was used to identify connections between functional problems, and for diagnosis, and functional problems were described using ICF terms. For prognostic purposes, comprehensive goals for functional activity and participation level are presented as long- and short-term goals. Intervention was performed using an exercise program composed of techniques and principles based on PNF concepts for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. Gait speed and lower limb strength before to after intervention differences were used as study outcomes. Results: Clinical advantages were observed in body function (3.6kg increase in knee extension strength, 1.4kg increase in knee flexion strength, 0.9kg increase in hip abduction). Gait speed, which was the patient's primary limitation, was improved by 0.2m/sec. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, application of the PNF concept would appear to improve gait speed and genu recurvatum in stroke patients.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.278-281
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• 2022

Purpose: This study sought to compare the muscle activity of the deltoid muscle according to the range of motion during the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) upper extremity D2 pattern exercise performed with an isokinetic exercise device. The aim was to provide basic data for selecting an exercise for the relevant segment of the range of motion to enhance function in clinical practice. Methods: In this study, the relevant measurements of the anterior and middle trapezius of 25 healthy adults were taken using a surface electromyography system. The upper extremity pattern exercise was performed in three ranges (0% to 50%, 50% to 100%, and 25% to 75%) using the upper extremity isokinetic device. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the muscle activity ratios of the anterior and middle deltoid muscles according to the measurement conditions (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the activity ratio of the middle deltoid muscle according to the measurement conditions in the ratio from the start range to the end range (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the muscle onset time difference according to the measurement conditions (p>0.05). Conclusion: The muscle activity of the anterior and middle deltoid muscles was analyzed according to the range of motion during the PNF upper extremity pattern exercise performed with an isokinetic device. The results could be used as a basis for selecting exercises for the relevant segment of the range of motion according to the function to be emphasized.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.14 no.3
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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.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.13-21
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• 2019

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function in stroke patients. Methods : The subjects were 14 stroke patients (10 males, 4 females) hospitalized at W rehabilitation hospital in Busan City and randomly assigned to 7 exercise groups and 7 control groups. Exercise was performed in combination with an upper and lower extremity pattern of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Measurements of abdominal muscle strength and respiratory function were made before intervention and 4 weeks after intervention. Abdominal muscle strength was assessed using a digital manual dynamometer, and respiratory function was assessed by spirometry. The collected data were analyzed with a paired t-test and independent t-test and the significance level was set as α =.05. Results : The results showed that applying abdominal muscle strengthening exercise to stroke patients showed a significant increase in abdominal muscle strength and a significant difference between groups (p<.05). Maximal-effort expiratory spirogram (MES) readings were significantly increased in forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), in the exercise group, and there were a significant differences between the groups in terms of FEV1 (p<.05). Slow vital capacity (SVC) was significantly increased in vital capacity (VC), tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), and expiratory capacity (EC), and there were significant differences between the groups in VC, TV, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), EC, and inspiratory capacity (IC) (p<.05). Conclusion : Abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was effective in the abdominal muscle strength of stroke patients, and it was confirmed to have a positive effect on the enhancement of respiratory function. Therefore, it seems that exercise programs for stroke patients with respiratory weakness should include abdominal muscle strengthening exercises.