Effects Of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Research Articles

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus Muscle energy technique in improving muscle Function in delayed onset muscle soreness In recreational players

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation versus Muscle energy technique in improving muscle Function in delayed onset muscle soreness In recreational players

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the proprioception and balance of persons with osteoarthritis of the knee

Objective To explore any effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the proprioception and balance of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods Forty patients with KOA were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG), each of 20. The PNF techniques of isotonic combined contraction, and rhythmic stable and dynamic reversal were applied in the EG, while the CG received quadriceps muscle strength training. Knee proprioception was evaluated using knee angle reconstruction experiments, and balance ability was measured using the one leg standing test (OLS) and the five times sit to stand test (FTSST). Results The errors in active and passive knee angle reconstruction at 30°, 60° and 110° all improved significantly in the EG, but not in the CG. After the treatment, the OLS and FTSST results improved significantly in the EG, but only the OLS results improved significantly in the CG, not the FTSST times. Even so, the average OLS time in the EG was significantly longer than that of the CG after the training. Conclusion Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the proprioception and balance of persons with knee osteoarthritis. Key words: Osteoarthritis; Knees; Proprioception; Balance; Neuromuscular facilitation

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Spasticity in Hemiplegia: Randomised Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Spasticity in Hemiplegia: Randomised Controlled Trial

The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on trunk control in hemiplegic subjects: A pre post design

BACKGROUND: Impaired trunk control is common in most of the hemiplegic patients during subacute stage that interferes with daily activities and worsens quality of life (QOL) of patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques on trunk control and QOL in subjects with hemiplegia. DESIGN: This was a pre-post design. SETTING: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Belagavi. PATIENTS: Totally, 16 hemiplegic patients were recruited between the age group 18–65 years having trunk control test score ≥50 and were given PNF techniques. INTERVENTION: PNF techniques for 45 min, three times in a week for 4 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed at baseline using Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Specific-QOL (SS-QOL) and reassessed after 12 sessions. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test. PNF showed significant results (P CONCLUSION: The study concludes that PNF techniques are beneficial in improving trunk control and QOL in hemiplegic population. Hence, this costless technique, which does not require any equipment, can be regularly incorporated to all hemiplegic patients in any setup or at home.

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercises in Subacromial Impingement

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercises in Subacromial Impingement

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Functional recovery of Patient's with Stroke-A review

Background: PNF has been used for very long time for the functional improvement of stroke. In this review functions were selected according to the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) corsets in the domain of Activity and Participation. Aim: The purpose of this study is to review the effectiveness of PNF in stroke for functional recovery of patients. Method: PubMed and Google scholar was searched using the following strategy- Language- English, Time period- all, Keywords- PNF, stroke, gait, balance, functional recovery. Inclusion criteria- RCT, meta-analysis, CASP- 80%. Conclusion: This finding provides important aspects regarding the use of PNF in functional recovery of stroke, in various functional activities according to the ICF corsets, as PNF helps in major areas like gait, co-ordination and balance. Implications: There is no enough clear evidence on the use of PNF, although there are reviews that state use of specific techniques for specific goals. Further studies are required to see the use of soma order online various PNF techniques as a whole or individually. Until then PNF technique can be used in clinical practice as there is no report of adverse events.

The immediate effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with taping on gait parameters in patients with chronic stroke.

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the immediate effects of simultaneous application of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and elastic taping (T), and the removal of the elastic tape, on the gait parameters of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients were divided into a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation group (PNFG, n=7), a taping group (TG, n=6), and a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with taping group (PNFTG, n=7). Relevant interventions were applied for 30 minutes, the tape was removed, and gait parameters were evaluated. [Results] Only the intervention of the PNFTG yielded significant differences in patient cadence, speed, and stride length. [Conclusion] The simultaneous application of PNF and taping for 30 minutes has carryover effects that can improve stroke patients’ gait ability, even after the removal of the tape.

Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation of Ankle Plantar Flexors Spasticity: A 3-Month Study with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation.

In this paper, we aim to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based rehabilitation for ankle plantar flexors spasticity by using a Robotic Ankle–foot Rehabilitation System (RARS). A modified robot-assisted system was proposed, and seven poststroke patients with hemiplegic spastic ankles participated in a 3-month robotic PNF training. Their impaired sides were used as the experimental group, while their unimpaired sides as the control group. A robotic intervention for the experimental group started from a 2-min passive stretching to warming-up or relaxing the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles and also ended with the same one. Then a PNF training session including 30 trials was activated between them. The rehabilitation trainings were carried out three times a week as an addition to their regular rehabilitation exercise. Passive range of motion, resistance torque, and stiffness were measured in both ankles before and after the interventions. The changes in Achilles tendon length, walking speed, and lower limb function were also evaluated by the same physician or physiotherapist for each participant. Biomechanical measurements before interventions showed significant difference between the experimental group and the control group due to ankle spasticity. For the control group, there was no significant difference in the 3 months with no robotic intervention. But for the experimental group, passive dorsiflexion range of motion increased (p < 0.01), resistance torque under different dorsiflexion angle levels (0°, 10°, and 20°) decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively), and quasi-static stiffness under different dorsiflexion angle levels (0°, 10°, and 20°) also decreased (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Achilles’s tendon length shortened (p < 0.01), while its thickness showed no significant change (p > 0.05). The robotic rehabilitation also improved the muscle strength (p < 0.01) and muscle control performance (p < 0.001). In addition, improvements were observed in clinical and functional measurements, such as Timed Up-and-Go (p < 0.05), normal walking speed (p > 0.05), and fast walking speed (p < 0.05). These results indicated that the PNF-based robotic intervention could significantly alleviate lower limb spasticity and improve the motor function in chronic stroke participant. The robotic system could potentially be used as an effective tool in poststroke rehabilitation training.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on hamstrings flexibility in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on hamstrings flexibility in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

A randomized controlled trial on the long-term effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training, on pain-related outcomes and back muscle activity, in patients with chronic low back pain.

The role of exercise therapy in improving pain-related clinical outcomes and trunk muscle activity in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) has been widely reported. There is little information on the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) training in patients with CLBP. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the persistence of the effects of PNF training on pain intensity, functional disability, patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and lower back muscle activity in patients with CLBP. Forty-two participants with CLBP were randomly assigned either to 4-week PNF training or to a control group receiving a Low back pain educational booklet. Pain-related outcomes, including pain intensity, functional disability, patient satisfaction, HRQOL and lumbar erector spinae (LES) muscle activity, were measured before and after the intervention, and at a follow-up session 12weeks after the last intervention session. Compared with the control group, after undergoing a 4-week PNF training intervention, participants showed a significant reduction in pain intensity and functional disability, and improved patient satisfaction and HRQOL (p<0.01). These effects were still significant at the 12-week follow-up assessment (p<0.01). LES muscle activity in the PNF training group was significantly increased throughout the measurement periods compared with controls (p<0.01). The study found that 4-week PNF training has positive long-term effects on pain-related outcomes, and increases lower back muscle activity in patients with CLBP.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance, strength, and mobility of an older adult with chronic stroke: A case report

This study described the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) program on balance, strength, and mobility in an older adult with chronic stroke. The patient was male, aged 69 years, with right hemiplegia for 17 years, and had diminished balance, balance confidence, lower extremity (LE) strength, and gait velocity. He received 1 h of PNF-based therapy thrice a week for six weeks. Outcome measures were: Mini-BESTest, limits of stability (LOS), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Five Time Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), Upright Motor Control Test (UMCT), and 10 Meter Walk Test (10 MWT). The patient improved on the Mini-BESTest (25/28, from 21/28), FTSST (27.47 s, from 30.27 s), UMCT knee extension (moderate, from weak), and 10 MWT (0.82 m/s, from 0.67 m/s); and positive changes in LOS dimensions. PNF was effective in enhancing balance, strength, and mobility in an older adult with chronic stroke and may mitigate falls risk in this population. More research is needed to determine its impact in a larger sample of older people with chronic stroke.

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Learning Fine Motor Skills: A Preliminary Study

Introduction: Preparation of neuromuscular system prior to performing motor skills affects the learning of motor skills. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on limb coordination and accuracy in dart throwing skill. Methods: Thirty two male students were randomly selected as study sample. Based on the pretest scores, the participants were divided into three groups: experimental (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), first control (without warm-up), and second control (specific warm-up). During the acquisition phase, the participants first performed the preparation training related to their own group, then all groups performed the exercise program of dart throwing consisting of 6 blocks of 9 trials in 4 training sessions. Finally, 20 days following the last exercise session, the subjects took the retention and transfer tests. Results: The results of one-way ANOVA test for coordination variable in acquisition test showed no significant difference between the groups, while there was a statistically significant difference between groups regarding coordination variable in retention and transfer tests. Furthermore, the results of one-way ANOVA for the accuracy variable in acquisition and retention tests showed no statistically significant difference between the three groups, while there was a statistically significant difference between groups for accuracy variable in transfer test. Conclusion: It seems that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, as a preparation method before performance, can enhance the efficacy of training to better learn the coordination pattern of fine motor skills.

Immediate Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Programs Compared With Passive Stretching Programs for Hamstring Flexibility: A Critically Appraised Topic.

For a healthy individual, are proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching programs more effective in immediately improving hamstring flexibility when compared with static stretching programs? Summary of Key Findings: A thorough literature search returned 195 possible studies; 5 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Current evidence supports the use of PNF stretching or static stretching programs for increasing hamstring flexibility. However, neither program demonstrated superior effectiveness when examining immediate increases in hamstring flexibility. Clinical Bottom Line: There were consistent findings from multiple low-quality studies that indicate there is no difference in the immediate improvements in hamstring flexibility when comparing PNF stretching programs to static stretching programs in physically active adults. Strength of Recommendation: Grade B evidence exists that PNF and static stretching programs equally increase hamstring flexibility immediately following the stretching program.

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in Improving Sensorimotor Function in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy Affecting Lower Limbs

Background: Diabetic Mellitus is a group of metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Distal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes which mainly affects the lower limbs. Most of the studies aimed at individually increasing muscle strength or sensation but not on overall performance enhancements of the diabetic lower limbs. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of PNF in diabetic neuropathic patients is scarce.Methods: 30 patients, with age between 50 to 70 years, diagnosed with Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy (DSP) were selected from the department of Medicine and department of Neurosurgery Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital. Patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the intervention using Diabetic Neuropathy Examination scores. Patients received 3 sets of exercises one hour/day with 3 days/week for 3 months. Each set of exercises consists of 5 repetitions of PNF patterns (alternate day) and techniques.Results: D1 & D2 patterns of PNF are effective in improving both motor and sensory functions of diabetic patients with neuropathic symptoms. Improvement in muscle strength, reflex and sensations occurred to a greater extent after the treatment of three months in these subjects. This study shows that PNF patterns were effective at enhancing sensorimotor problems of lower limbs.Conclusion: This study concluded that PNF is found to be effective in improving sensorimotor functions of diabetic neuropathic patients affecting lower limbs.

Abstract 102: Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Upper Extremity Function in the Patients With Acute Stroke

Background: Stroke leads to impairment in upper extremity function and hence impairment in performance of activities of daily living. The studies that emphasize the effects of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) in acute stroke are still lacking. Aim: In this study we aim to investigate the effects of PNF exercises on upper extremity function in acute stroke. Methods: Total 35 patients were recruited from the OPD of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. Written informed consent was obtained from their legal relatives. Patients were given PNF exercises for scapula from the first day of their admission to the hospital and then arm pattern (D1 and D2 flexion , extension) by using rhythmic initiation technique until discharge from the hospital (Mean 15.2+ 3.9days). PNF was given twice daily for 30 minutes for 5 days a week. Arm recovery was assessed by Fugl- Meyer scale and arm function was assessed by Arm Motor Ability Test (AMAT). Patients were followed up in neurology OPD on monthly basis up to 6 months. Results: Out of 35, 26 were of ischemic stroke and 9 were of haemorrhagic stroke. 17 were left sided and 18 were right sided hemiplegics. 15 were females and 20 were males. Mean age of the patient was 56.45 + 12.14. Glasgow coma scale at the time of admission was 14.6+ .338. Mean NIH stroke severity was 7.48 + 3.95, shows all the patients were of mild to moderate stroke. The mean Fugl- Meyer score before the intervention was 151.60+ 41.72 with SE= 7.05 and after intervention was 209.9. Paired t - test was run to determine if PNF is effective in improving upper extremity function in acute stroke t (34)= - 9.920, p= .001. There was significant improvement in upper extremity functions. The mean AMAT score before intervention was 63.53+ 28.32 and after intervention was 120.22+ 12.12 and t(34)= 5.92 p= .026 which shows significant improvement in upper extremity function. Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises are very effective in generating voluntary control and improving functional activities of daily living if given from the first day of stroke. For improvement in arm function the intervention should be started first from scapula. Due to the irradiation effect, there is generation and improvement of tone and power in upper extremity. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by the department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and deep-breathing exercises on upper extremity lymphedema in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises on upper limb lymphedema in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The study consisted of 10 patients with lymphedema that had occurred after stroke. Neurodevelopmental treatment was applied in the same manner as that used for the existing treatment. The subjects performed deep-breathing and stretching exercises three times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Body water volume in the upper limbs was measured before and after exercise by using an InBody S10 analyzer. [Results] Performance of deep-breathing and stretching exercises significantly reduced body water volume in both the affected and unaffected arms. The extracellular-to-total cellular fluid volume ratio in the affected arm improved to 0.379 after exercise, although this change was not significant. [Conclusion] The results of the present study show that deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises reduce upper extremity lymphedema in stroke patients.

The immediate effect of PNF pattern on muscle tone and muscle stiffness in chronic stroke patient.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on muscle tone and muscle stiffness in stroke patients. [ Subjects and Methods] The subjects consisted of 15 patients with chronic stroke (stroke group) and 15 healthy persons (healthy group). We measured the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation intervention on the lower extremity using a muscle tone measurement device; this detected changes in muscle tone and stiffness in the lower extremity muscles. [Results] Measurements taken before the intervention showed that, on average, the lower extremity muscles of the stroke group showed abnormally increased muscle tone and stiffness compared to the lower extremity muscles of the healthy group. After the intervention, the average muscle tone and stiffness in the lower extremity muscles of the stroke group decreased, but this change was insignificant, and the differences between the two groups were also insignificant. [Conclusion] Based on the findings of this study, we recommend proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation treatment of both affected and non-affected sides to decrease the abnormally increased muscle tone and stiffness in the lower extremity muscles of chronic stroke patients.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Approach for Functioning Muscle Transfer: A Case Report

Background: This case report of a patient with a an avulsion brachial plexus injury demonstrates the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) integrated into hand therapy following a pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap transfer for elbow and fingers extension. Methods: A 29-year-old right-hand dominant male suffered from high-energy crushing and avulsion injury at the workplace. He presented with pain (5/10), numbness over right upper limb, shoulder strength weakness (2/5), and brachial plexus injury including median, radial and ulnar nerve palsies. A pedicled LD musculocutaneous flap was performed to reconstruct the elbow and hand function simultaneously in the primary stage. The treatment program was divided into three phases: (1) immobilization phase (within 4 weeks after surgery), (2) facilitation phase (4 to 8 weeks after surgery), (3) strengthening phase (8 weeks after surgery). Application of PNF principles (manual contact, visual input and verbal instructions) and techniques (rhythmic initiation, repeated stretch, combination of isotonics and irradiation with D1 extension) were guided in the facilitation phase and early stage of strengthening phase to facilitate active control of elbow and finger extension. Results: The patient could actively move the elbow and finger extensors after 2-weeks of PNF therapy. Up to 4 months after reconstructive surgery, the patient's elbow and fingers extensor reached strength of M4 and M3. In the next months, several palliative surgeries (e.g. elbow joint arthroplasty, thumb and wrist extension reconstruction) were performed. The patient returned to his original job as a manufactory worker 2 years after the accident. Conclusion: PNF may be an effective and specific component of rehabilitation in the recovery of function in the early phase post injury for a patient with a major upper arm traction avulsion amputation reconstructed by a pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle.

Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching and Kinesiology Taping on Pelvic Compensation During Double-Knee Extension.

Shortened hamstrings are likely to restrict the anterior pelvic tilt and induce a slumped posture due to the posterior pelvic tilt. This study was conducted to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and modified anterior pelvic tilt taping (APTT) on hamstring shortness-associated pelvic compensation while executing seated double-knee extension. Male college students (28 healthy young adults; mean age: 21.4 ± 2.1 years) with hamstring shortness were recruited as study subjects and randomly assigned to either the PNF stretching group (control group) or the APTT group (experimental group). In all the subjects, changes in the movement distance of the centre of gluteal pressure (COGP) as well as rectus abdominis (RA) and semitendinosus (SEM) muscle activities were measured during seated double-knee extension while the respective intervention method was applied. Both groups showed significant decreases in COGP distance and RA muscle activity compared with their respective baseline values (p < 0.05), however, no significant changes were observed in SEM muscle activity. We can infer that not only a direct intervention on the hamstring, such as PNF stretching, but also a modified APTT-mediated pelvic intervention may be used as a method for reducing pelvic compensation induced by hamstring shortness.

TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION ON BACK MUSCLE STRENGTH, PAIN AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN – AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background:&nbsp;Back pain is a prevalent and expensive problem in society. 60-80% of people will suffer at least one episode of low back pain sometime in their lives and 30-40% of these will experience low back pain each year. Therefore the need of the following study is to see the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on back muscle strength, pain and QOL in subjects with Chronic Low Back Pain.Methods: Ethical approval was taken before study. Forty patients with chronic low back pain (28 male, 12 female) were included in the study and divided into two groups each containing 20 subjects. All the participants were signed written consent after being informed in detail about the study. Group A has been given the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises including Rhythmic Stabilization (RST) and Combination of Isotonics (COI) and Conventional back exercises. Group B was given conventional back exercises only. Outcome measures were taken at the end of one month i.e. after the treatment protocol. VAS, SF-36Questionnaire and Core stability gradation were taken in both groups.Results:&nbsp;There is significant improvement in VAS score in both groups but Group A was having more significant improvement than Group B. Also there is significant improvement in core stability grading and SF 36 score in Group A.Conclusion:&nbsp;It is concluded that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises on back is effective in reducing pain and improving core muscle strength in subjects with Chronic Low Back Pain.