Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation approach for low back pain: A review study

Abstract

Introduction: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is an exercise based on neuromuscular control by stimulation of proprioceptors. The PNF exercise is more popular in the treatment of neurological problems than for musculoskeletal disorders. Numerous research has been done on its application on low back pain (LBP) condition. However, there is not many studies review the application of PNF approach on LBP condition. The aim of this study is to review the PNF approach and explore on its effect on LBP condition. Method: This research uses a simple research literature review method. Data were collected through searches on research article databases such as Google Scholar and health research databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane PEDro and other scientific journals databases. Result: After searching for articles from the Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane and PEDro databases, several research results were obtained on the use of PNF in LBP conditions with the following results. There were 19 researches that has been published provided by the databases. Conclusions: All studies have shown that the PNF approach in patients with LBP, whether chronic or not, is sufficient to provide beneficial effects in reducing pain, increasing functional ability, postural control, trunk stability, the flexibility of the lumbar and hip, increasing FEV1 and increasing trunk muscle activity. Furthermore, in general, PNF also appears to be more dominant than other exercises for the management of LBP conditions.