Facilitation Techniques Research Articles

The impacts of Kinesio taping on muscular fatigue and proprioception following fatigue among adolescent basketball players

Aim: The present study attempted to investigate the impacts of Kinesio taping on proprioceptive responses of the knee joint before and after muscular fatigue. 
 Material and Method: Thirteen healthy basketball players were recruited for this study. A fatigue protocol was designed with a load of 70% of the maximum quadriceps muscle strength and applied to the dominant lower extremity, including repetitive knee flexion and extension in a sitting position between 0°-90°. Fatigue was assessed using the Borg scale. The protocol was administered to the same participants twice at a one-week interval. Proprioception in the knee joint was assessed using the angle reconstruction test. In the evaluation of proprioception, the target angle was set as 45° of knee flexion and was measured with a digital goniometer. In the second-week measurements, the same protocol was repeated immediately following Kinesio tape application to the quadriceps femoris muscle with the facilitation technique. 
 Results: The findings revealed no significant within-group differences between the proprioception measurements before and after fatigue (p > 0.05). It was also the case in the evaluation with Kinesio taping (p > 0.005). However, the number of movement repetitions significantly differed between the groups in the fatigue protocol (p < 0.05). 
 Conclusion: The proprioception values of pre- and post-fatigue did not significantly differ when Kinesio taping was applied. Overall, it was concluded that Kinesio taping was an effective factor in reducing fatigue and contributed to endurance by delaying the onset of fatigue.

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique and TENS on improving lower limb sensorimotor function, balance and quality of life in chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy in gynecological cancer: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Gynecological cancers are the most prevalent cancers in women, making it a significant public health concern. Chemotherapy drugs are an extremely effective approach for reducing cancer progression since they have various targets and mechanism of action focused at killing quickly multiplying cancer cells. Unfortunately, these drugs also affect normal cells and structures of the body, resulting in a variety of deleterious effects. Most common among them is chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Taxanes, platinum medicines, vinca alkaloids and thalidomide are examples of popular pharmaceuticals that are prone to cause CIPN. When CIPN develops during active chemotherapy phase, it may result in the discontinuation or reduction of chemotherapy dose, which may render the dosage ineffective in cancer management. As a result, it is essential that physiotherapists investigate novel approaches to successfully manage the side effects that survivors must deal with. Here’s the idea we suggest by conducting a study which aim to assess the effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique (PNF) with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and closed kinetic chain exercises with TENS on subjects with CIPN in Gynecological Cancer in two arm parallel superiority randomized control trial (RCT) on improving lower limb sensorimotor function, balance & quality of life. The total participants in the study will be divided into two equal groups and then the intervention will be given for 8 weeks to both the groups with 5 days in a week with 50 minute session each day. The results will be evaluated after 8 weeks of treatment and 3 weeks after completion of intervention for follow up. If the hypothesis of our study proves to be effective, this physiotherapy intervention could be included in management of CIPN. Along with it, it will help in reducing the rate of discontinuation of chemotherapy dose due to neuropathy.

Effects of Scapular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique on Scapular Dyskinesis

Background: Scapular dyskinesis is termed as improper control of resting position and movement pattern of the scapula having connections with shoulder pain. PNF techniques are the methods of hastening the response of a neuromuscular mechanism through stimulation of proprioceptors. Objective: To find out the effect of scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques in the treatment of scapular dyskinesis. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted comprising of 26 patients recruited from District Headquarter Hospital and Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad. Patients were randomly allotted into 2 groups. Group A received scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Group B received conventional treatment group. Scapular dyskinesis was assessed through lateral scapular slide test. Visual Analogue Scale and Shoulder pain and Disability Index were used as outcome measures. The treatment was given for four weeks and there were 3 sessions per week. The data was collected at baseline and 4th week post treatment. The data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 23. Results: Within group analysis showed that improvement was observed for pain and shoulder disability in both group A (p=0.000) and group B (p=0.000). Between group analysis revealed significant improvement in pain from 8.23 +1.48 at baseline to 4.08 + 1.60 (p=0.000) and shoulder disability from 97.46+9.19, to 97.46+9.19 (p=0.000) at 4th week post treatment in scapular PNF group. Conclusion: Significant improvement in VAS and SPADI was observed in scapular PNF group as compared to conventional treatment. Keywords: Scapular Dyskinesis, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Shoulder Pain, Visual Analog Scale

New “iPARKO” finger extensor facilitation training device for chronic hemiplegic hand after stroke: development and verification of its effectiveness in healthy individuals

After stroke, hemiplegic individuals have difficulty opening their hands by themselves due to paralysis. A finger extensor facilitation technique was therefore developed to increase the activity of the extensor muscle in hemiplegic individuals who cannot open their paralyzed hands by themselves. In our previous study, we created a training device prototype called the “PARKO”, that imitates the finger extensor facilitation technique; however, the activity of the extensor muscle using the device was much smaller than that of the finger extensor facilitation technique. In this study, we developed a new finger extensor facilitation training device, the “iPARKO”, to increase the activity of the extensor muscle during active training. We thus improved the structure of the PARKO device—including a modified method to apply force to the fingertips—and attached force sensors to the device to monitor these forces. To verify the effectiveness of the iPARKO device, we conducted active training using the device in healthy individuals. Comparing the results of the muscle activities between the PARKO and iPARKO devices among three healthy participants demonstrated that the iPARKO device increased the mean activity of the extensor muscle by 43.8%. Furthermore, the activity of the extensor muscle in two healthy individuals while moving the hand forward with the iPARKO device was 84% and 96% of the maximal voluntary contraction during the hand-opening motion without the iPARKO device.

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique Combined with Kinesio Taping on Upper Limb Motor Function of Patients with Stroke

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique Combined with Kinesio Taping on Upper Limb Motor Function of Patients with Stroke

The Effects of Kinesio Taping® on Muscle Interplay within the Lumbo–Pelvic–Hip Complex: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Coordination of muscle activity is determined by the recruitment order of agonists and synergists that results from their onset times. Motor recruitment deficits are possible. This study examined the acute and prolonged effects of three different techniques of the kinesio taping method in optimizing the intermuscular coordination within the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. The sample consisted of 56 healthy participants of both genders, randomly divided into equal groups by kinesio taping muscle facilitation, muscle inhibition and functional correction technique, and placebo kinesio taping condition. The onsets of the ipsilateral and contralateral erector spinae muscles, in relation to the semitendinosus muscle of the tested leg, were measured using the surface electromyography, during the active performance of the prone hip extension test. Time span was also determined. Measurements were performed at baseline, 60 min, and 48 h post-intervention. For the control group, we did not find statistically significant differences in the onset between the measurement points (p > 0.05), while in the experimental groups, there was a significant delay in the onset of the contralateral erector spinae (p < 0.001) in the second and third measurement points. These results indicate that the kinesio taping method can optimize the intermuscular coordination, with the potential for primary injury prevention.

Facilitation Techniques in Teaching ESP Online: Postpandemic Solutions for Law-Enforcement Officers Training

The article considers the effectiveness of teaching English for Specific Purposes online to future border guard officers during their study at the Border Guard Academy. The article considers ways to enhance the border guards’ foreign language training, which is partly conducted online due to the quarantine restrictions and ongoing war initiated by russia. The study covered the experience of organization of facilitation skills development for the teachers and trainers in European Union border guard educational institutions. The authors consider facilitative methods and tools as effective means for teaching future border guards English language online. The facilitative skills acquired by border guard teachers and trainers were tested during ESP Course for border guards at the Ukrainian Border Guard Academy. Analysis of the results of employing facilitation methods and techniques during “Intensive Online English Language Course for Border Guards” proved effectiveness of the conducted online training course and indicates the feasibility of using facilitative methods and techniques within the online training courses for the personnel of the law-enforcement agencies. Comparison of the obtained results (the placement and final assessment) proves the effectiveness of foreign language communicative skills development of the course participants. Therefore, the obtained results testify to the efficiency of utilizing the facilitation techniques by the teachers and trainers of the border guard academy.

Enhancing Veteran Community Reintegration Research (ENCORE): Protocol for a Mixed Methods and Stakeholder Engagement Project.

Veteran community reintegration (CR) has been defined as participation in community life, including employment or other productive activities, independent living, and social relationships. Veteran CR is a Veterans Health Administration priority, as a substantial proportion of veterans report difficulties with veteran CR following discharge from military service. Enhancing Veteran Community Reintegration Research (ENCORE) is a project funded by Veterans Health Administration's Health Service Research and Development Service. The goal of ENCORE is to maximize veteran and family reintegration by promoting innovative research and knowledge translation (KT) that informs and improves equitable Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policies, programs, and services. Overall, 2 strategic objectives guide ENCORE activities: mobilize veteran CR research and promote innovation, relevance, and acceleration of veteran CR research and KT. ENCORE uses a mixed methods and stakeholder-engaged approach to achieve objectives and to ensure that the KT products generated are inclusive, innovative, and meaningful to stakeholders. Project activities will occur over 5 years (2019-2024) in 5 phases: plan, engage, mobilize, promote, and evaluate. All activities will be conducted remotely owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Methods used will include reviewing research funding and literature examining the gaps in veteran CR research, conducting expert informant interviews with VA program office representatives, and assembling and working with a Multistakeholder Partnership (MSP). MSP meetings will use external facilitation services, group facilitation techniques adapted for virtual settings, and a 6-step group facilitation process to ensure successful execution of meetings and accomplishment of goals. As of December 2022, data collection for ENCORE is ongoing, with the team completing interviews with 20 stakeholders from 16 VA program offices providing veteran CR-related services. ENCORE developed and assembled the MSP, reviewed the VA funding portfolio and veteran CR research literature, and conducted a scientific gap analysis. The MSP developed a veteran CR research agenda in 2021 and continues to work with the ENCORE team to prepare materials for dissemination. The goal of this program is to improve the impact of veteran CR research on policies and programs. Using a stakeholder-engaged process, insights from key stakeholder groups are being incorporated to set a research agenda that is more likely to result in a relevant and responsive veteran CR research program. Future products will include the development of an effective and relevant dissemination plan and the generation of innovative and relevant dissemination products designed for rapid KT. DERR1-10.2196/42029.

Comparison of Task Specific Training Vs Neuro Developmental Training Approach Along with Conventional Therapy for Upper Limb Motor Function Among Chronic Stroke Patients

Objective The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Vs Balance Exercise along with Conventional Therapy for balance and gait in Chronic Parkinson’s patients. Study Design Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Place and Duration of study This study took place in Lahore, Pakistan and the duration of the study was 6 months. Method This study is a Randomized Controlled Trial utilized a non-probability purposive sampling technique, the primary outcome measure was Berg Balance Scale and Functional Gait Assessment which were used to check the balance and gait. The findings were then statistically analysed by non parametric tests Mann Whitney U Test and Friedman Test were used for between group and within the group comparisons respectively. Results A total of 60 patients participated in the study among which after randomized allocation of 30(50%) in PNF group and 30(50%) in Balance T group. The data shows that there is a big difference mean value difference between the two groups i.e. Balance T group showed better results than the PNF group and the p value is 0.000 which is less than 0.05 hence suggesting that the difference between both the experimental the groups after 12 weeks is highly significant. Hence we are rejecting the Null hypothesis and accepting the alternating hypothesis. . The data shows that there is a difference mean value difference between the two groups i.e. Balance T group showed better results than the PNF group and the p value is 0.492 which is more than 0.05 hence suggesting that the difference between both the experimental the groups after 12 weeks is non-significant. Hence we are rejecting the Alternate Hypothesis and accepting the Null Hypothesis. Conclusion Both of the treatment approaches have proven to be effective in treatment of balance of lower limb among chronic Parkinson’s patients but the Balance Exercises has proven to be significantly more effective than of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and show effective results in the treatment of balance more efficiently but among two of these treatment strategies none of them has been proven to be better than other for gait. Discussion In the current study where PNF and Balance exercise are compared to each other shows that Balance exercise is highly effective for the treatment of balance in chronic Parkinson’s patients as compared to PNF. However Del Carmen et.al. Conducted a research in 2019 i.e. “the development of ballet exercises with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation techniques for patients with Parkinson’s disease” which indicated that of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation technique also improve balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease patients [1].

Effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in the human suboccipital region on hamstring muscle: A meta-analysis based on current evidence.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) has remained controversial in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. To our knowledge, there is no larger sample size of research to demonstrate the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in the human suboccipital region on hamstring muscle. To study whether the CST in the human suboccipital region could have a remote effect on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles, the Cochrane Library, Medline/Pubmed, CNKI, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched. Clinical trials assessing the effects of CST in short hamstring syndrome patients were eligible. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the straight leg raise test (primary outcomes). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis. Five controlled trials with a total of 238 participants were included. CST could effectively relieve the symptoms of short hamstring syndrome patients [the overall MD -9.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) -15.82 to -3.12, P < .000001]. The CST was better than the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique (MD 3.09, 95% CI 1.48-4.70, P = .0002). Sensitivity analysis shows that the frequency of treatment and who did the experiment might be the main sources of impact results. CST could change the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. CST had a better curative effect when compared to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on the hamstring muscles.

THE ROLE OF MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES IN THE PHYSICAL THERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS OF THE SHOULDER JOINT

The purpose of the study: to analyze the results of studies devoted to the study of the effectiveness of the use of mobilization techniques in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint.&#x0D; Materials and methods. This work is the result of an analysis of studies devoted to the study of the effect of mobilization techniques as monotherapy and as part of a complex physical therapy on the range of motion in the shoulder joint, pain on the visual analog scale, and the shoulder pain and disability index.&#x0D; Results. Stretching exercises, pendulum exercises, various manual therapies, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, and muscle energy techniques are used in physical therapy for adhesive capsulitis. Analysis of the literature confirmed that mobilization is widely used in the therapy of patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint. At the same time, the number of mobilization techniques, which are used in the form of monotherapy or part of complex treatment, is significant. There are quite a few types of mobilization techniques for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint: angular mobilization; progressive mobilization; mobilization of the spine in combination with scapular stretching, angular and translational mobilization; high-intensity techniques based on the pain threshold; the Cyriax approach; Mulligan technique; Maitland technique. There are research results that indicate an immediate effect of intensive mobilization on the amplitude of passive abduction. A number of studies have established the advantages of end-range and intensive mobilization compared to mid-range mobilization. At the same time, studies were found that did not establish the advantages of mobilization over therapeutic exercises, and also established the advantages of therapeutic exercises without pain compared to a complex intervention that included exercises and mobilization with exceeding the pain threshold. Thus, the question of the intensity of mobilization, the level of pain during mobilization remains relevant. Results of literature reviews noted that the Kaltenborn technique shows better results after 2-6 weeks of therapy in reducing pain, improving range of motion and functional activity; that there is moderate evidence of effectiveness of mobilization methods in the short and long term; that the Maitland technique and combined mobilization are recommended for use. In the aspect of mobilization with adhesive capsulitis, there is a question of its direction (anterior or posterior) to improve the amplitude of external rotation. At the same time, the conclusions of the last systematic review of the effectiveness of conservative methods of treatment of adhesive capsulitis indicate that there is no reliable evidence that would convincingly testify to the superiority of one method of treatment of adhesive capsulitis over another.&#x0D; Conclusions. The results of scientific studies indicate different conclusions regarding the effectiveness of mobilization techniques. There are works that indicate both the advantages of mobilization in adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint and their absence. Undisputed strong evidence in favor of one of the mobilization techniques is also lacking. Mobilization techniques can be used in physical therapy for patients with adhesive capsulitis, but more research is needed to determine the most effective intervention.

IMPACTOS DA TÉCNICA PNF SOBRE FLEXIBILIDADE E FORÇA EM ATLETAS DE ARTES MARCIAIS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Joint flexibility and muscle strength play a vital role in the training process of martial arts athletes. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique encourages the neural receptors, through the application of manual resistances, in the gain of functional range of motion and stability to its patients. It is believed that this technique can be adapted to the sports environment. Objective: Evaluate the impact of stretching using the PNF technique on martial arts athletes’ flexibility and muscle strength. Methods: Through a controlled experiment, 100 martial arts athletes, without significant differences, were selected as experimental subjects, and randomly divided into two groups for a 4-week experiment. The experimental group added a protocol with PNF stretching exercises in the training, while the control group performed the usual training without interventions. Indicators of flexibility, functional activities, and strength were measured before and after the intervention, compared, and statistically analyzed. Results: Joint flexibility with the shoulder rotation test evolved from 21.88±5.71 to 19.22±5.94, and the left and right division was from 16.90±5.36 to 10.57±3.75; as for muscle strength, the flexor peak moment elevated from 210.36±51.18 to 251.37± 45.72, and flexor power had a gain from 111.76±30.63 to 135.20±2,.42. The extensor peak moment also showed expressive evolutions from 179.47±43.96 to 221.52±33.60. Conclusion: The PNF stretching exercise technique effectively optimizes martial arts athletes’ joint flexibility and muscle strength. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Comparison of Respiratory Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Segmental Breathing on Pulmonary functions, Dyspnoea and Exercise Tolerance in COPD Patients: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease marked by airflow limitation, destruction of lung parenchyma and other associated respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnoea and coughing). Pathological changes and symptoms do not appear altogether, symptoms may not appear but pathological changes are likely to be present. Segmental breathing and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques are both effective techniques in improving pulmonary functions in COPD patients. Aim: To compare PNF and Segmental breathing with respect to pulmonary functions to relieve dyspnoea and improve exercise capacity in COPD patients. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative study conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 at Department of Physiotherapy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India. On 30 in-patient aged between 40-60 years with Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st second/Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/ FVC) &lt; 0.7, hospitalised clinically stable patients . Out of these, 15 were allocated in the segmental breathing group and another 15 participants were allocated into the respiratory PNF group through the sealed envelope. The session was of 10-15 minutes under the protocol of 18-20 repetitions of each technique in segmental breathing and respiratory PNF in either respective group. The dyspnoea was assessed by Modified Borg Scale, pulmonary functions was done with spirometry, followed by the 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). The data was statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 24.0. Paired t-test was used to compare the means of measurements within the groups. The independent t-test was used to compare the means of all the variables between the groups. Results: Both of these techniques improved SpO2 (change in mean from 81.27 to 86.20 and 82.13 to 90.67 in segmental and PNF group, respectively) and relieve dyspnoea post-exertion (8.33 to 6.60 and 8.0 to 5.67 in segmental and PNF groups) within 1-week of intervention (p &lt; 0.01). There was improvement seen in pulmonary functions (FEV1 from 0.87 to 0.95 and 0.78 to 1.02 in segmental and PNF groups) and exercise tolerance (6- Minute Walk Test (MWT) from 149.47 to 204.80 and 151.77 to 242.20 in segmental and PNF groups) as well. And out of both, respiratory PNF is more efficient in improving pulmonary function, dyspnoea and exercise tolerance in a week (p&lt;0.01) which makes the master improvement and pulmonary rehabilitation can proceed with further advancement. Conclusion: Segmental breathing and respiratory PNF are effective techniques for patients with COPD admitted to hospital whose modified Borg’s dyspnoea score is higher even at rest and intolerant to physical exercise and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation is lower than 88%.

ALÍVIO DA FADIGA ESPORTIVA APÓS CORRIDAS DE MARATONA POR ALONGAMENTO PNF

ABSTRACT Introduction: Marathon running requires stretching practices to relieve fatigue after exercise. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique is an advanced stretching technique that allows segmenting of a specific muscle group for simultaneous stretching and strengthening. Objective: This paper explores the effect of PNF stretching exercise on relieving sports fatigue after marathon races. Methods: In this paper, 160 marathon runners were selected for the experiment, and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed the PNF stretching exercise, while the control group remained with traditional stretching without any new intervention. Fatigue was assessed according to the heart rate, collected before, during, and after the experiment. Results: After nine weeks of PNF stretching training, the heart rate in the experimental group changed from 65.35 to 62.46 in the morning; during training, the group’s heart rate changed from 180.79 to 173.04; after recovery, the first group’s heart rate changed from 82.88 to 81.88. In the control group, the heart rate of the group also showed changes from 65.29 to 68.86 in the morning; during training, it changed from 180.7 to 175.49; and after recovery, from 86.23 to 88.4. Conclusion: PNF stretching exercise has a positive effect on relieving sports fatigue after marathon races. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Coaching Caregivers of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

This study explored the impact of a caregiver training intervention on caregivers' use of individually selected facilitative language techniques (FLTs) with their children (ranging from 14 to 27months of age) who were deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, the study sought to identify real-time relationships between caregiver input and child output. Finally, the Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) system was used to assess generalization of intervention gains to the natural environment. Intervention was delivered via a telehealth approach to train four caregivers to utilize a targeted FLT with their child. Pre-baseline LENA recordings guided selection of treatment targets, and post-intervention LENA recordings were used to assess generalization to the natural environment. All caregivers demonstrated increases in use of their targeted FLT in structured intervention sessions and maintained them 2-6weeks after the conclusion of intervention. All children demonstrated an increase in their developmentally appropriate vocalizations in tandem with caregiver FLT increases. Results indicate that coaching can be used to increase caregiver responsiveness, changes which were found to carry over into the home environment.

Facilitating Portfolio for holistic Engineering Education: An alternative Perspective

Portfolios provide evidence of facilitation from various sources in terms of student ratings context. It is the process of selecting and organizing material for a portfolio that can reflect facilitation. Facilitating portfolio capture facilitating career that can be called as facilitating portfolios that capture evidence related to the course. Using portfolios, facilitators can share in virtual mode and invite their comments from peers to share facilitating successes and accordingly build their careers. The components of facilitating portfolio are facilitating statement, documentation, effectiveness, demonstration of student learning using materials, activities, contribution to the Institution and recognition. The facilitating portfolio contains student’s reflection in terms of context, knowledge and growth. The advantage of preparing this facilitation portfolio is to engage the students in an active manner. It deals with bringing the students to the classroom. This portfolio is useful for developing student knowledge in an effective manner. The facilitator can address the problems of students through preparedness in the curriculum. It also deals with curriculum structure and provides sufficient support for students. The curriculum structure and facilitation techniques can be used to develop social framework inside the classroom. The facilitation process is affected by means of the contextual issues arises from professional, Institutional, student body, national and international agencies. This portfolio is useful for developing the student knowledge. The technology has been used for the improvement of student experience and enables better understanding of core concepts. This paper deals with the implementation of facilitating portfolio for the curriculum and student learning through activities. Keywords— Active learning Strategies; Course Outcome; Curriculum Structure; Facilitating Portfolio; Student learning

Neurophobia: A Side Effect of Neuroanatomy Education?

Neuroanatomy in the medical curriculum tends to be challenging for both lecturers and students. Students and lecturers perceive the relevance and importance of neuroanatomy differently. If not taught sufficiently, students develop a dislike or fear (termed neurophobia) for the subject. This fear prevents them from being receptive to the teaching and consequently applying the neuroanatomy knowledge in the clinical environment. Information on the approach and perception of undergraduate neuroanatomy lecturers in South Africa regarding neuroanatomy in the medical curriculum is scarce and inconclusive. A study was undertaken to explore the attitudes and perceptions of neuroanatomy lecturers towards the relevance of neuroanatomy, as well as the teaching techniques and approach thereof, in the medical curriculum. In order to determine whether the lecturers' teaching approach and attitudes could be a contributing factor to neurophobia. In a cross-sectional qualitative study, neuroanatomy lecturers from the nine South African medical schools were invited to complete an anonymous online questionnaire. Results were thematically analysed and grouped. Lecturing staff from seven of the medical schools participated in this study and included fourteen respondents. The respondents classified themselves mainly as either proficient (78.6%) or experts (15.8%) in their neuroanatomy teaching experience. All the respondents acknowledged that neuroanatomy is important in their students' medical training. A lecturer's perceptions and attitude towards the subject or content, greatly affect the facilitation approaches and techniques used. This might have far- reaching consequences for students as it might impact on their attitude towards the content.

Concepts and Application of Tai Ji in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review.

Stroke remains a leading cause of adult disability, and it decreases the health-related quality of life due to functional disability and poor functional recovery in stroke. Tai Ji has been recently introduced to overcome disabilities. This review aims to explain the effects of Tai Ji on functional recovery in stroke patients, linking it to current approaches, concepts and therapies such as Bobath and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. A compilation of recent literature on Tai Ji's use in stroke rehabilitation from Google scholar and PubMed Central (2018 to 2022). The benefits of Tai Ji in stroke functional recovery were studied and explained based on its similarity in concepts to current conventional stroke rehabilitation approaches. There were few randomized controlled trials on Tai Ji in functional recovery among stroke patients. However, all literature identified Tai Ji as beneficial in stroke rehabilitation. However, there was no literature on explaining the Tai Ji movement based on current conventional stroke rehabilitation approaches. Tai Ji carries similar theories to the current neurorehabilitation approach. Tai Ji can be modified and incorporated into stroke rehabilitation programs based on patients' needs to produce promising outcomes.

Efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in improving shoulder biomechanical parameters, functionality, and pain after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: A randomized controlled study

PurposeAxillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy have been associated with pain, physical symptoms, and decreased functional abilities in the upper extremity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on muscle strength, pain and functionality in this patient group in comparison with progressive resistance training (PRT). MethodsThe study was conducted with a randomized clinical trial design. Sixty-six women were included in the study and randomly divided into three groups: the PNF group (n = 22), the PRT group (n = 22), and the control group (n = 22). The participants were evaluated at the baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. Outcome measures were determined as pain (the Visual Analog Scale), upper extremity strength (isokinetic dynamometer), functionality (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), and perception of change (the Global Rating of Change Scale). Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05288036. ResultsThe results showed statistically significant changes in both treatment groups in terms of shoulder flexors/extensors, abductor/adductors, internal/external rotators strength/power/endurance measurement, pain, and functionality (p < 0.05). Concerning functionality and perception of change, the PNF group had a statistically significantly higher improvement compared to the remaining two groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionPNF is an effective technique in increasing upper extremity muscle strength, reducing pain during rest and activity, and improving functionality in patients receiving breast cancer treatment.

Understanding Facilitation Techniques for Hands-On Chemistry Activities

ABSTRACT Educators play a key role in facilitating interactive learning experiences in informal science education settings, such as science centers and museums. Despite their importance, research around facilitation has generally focused on visitor impacts and not the strategies used by the educators themselves. The ChemAttitudes project studied and characterized facilitation moves used by educators during hands-on chemistry activities with visitors at two science museums. Building on previous research done by the Exploratorium, the project team defined a framework of three overarching categories of facilitation techniques: “Invite participation,” “Support exploration,” and “Deepen understanding.” (referenced in short form as “Invite,” “Support,” and “Deepen”). Each of these categories also included distinct facilitation moves that educators used throughout an interaction with visitors. Overall, data indicated that educators used Support moves most often, Deepen moves less frequently, and Invite moves the least. Although educators almost always started an interaction with Invite, afterwards, they moved flexibly back and forth between the three types of moves in a non-linear order in response to the visitors. The framework and findings from this project can be used to support training and professional development for other informal educators using hands-on activities with visitors.