Neuromuscular Joint Facilitation Research Articles

Short-term effects of a new resistance exercise approach on physical function during chemotherapy after radical breast cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundApproximately 30% of post-operative breast cancer patients develop shoulder joint movement disorders affecting routine upper limb movement. This study discusses the impact of a neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) method on the physical function of breast cancer patients experiencing shoulder dysfunction during chemotherapy after radical surgery.MethodsThis study included 162 female patients who have unilateral breast cancer in a cancer hospital in China. They developed shoulder joint mobility disorders during chemotherapy within 1–3 months postoperatively. These patients were divided into three groups: NJF, conventional rehabilitation (conventional group), and control groups. The clinical examination included the maximum passive and active range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and external and internal rotation). Other evaluations included a pain score using a visual analog scale (VAS), grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness. All tests were evaluated pre-and post-intervention.ResultsThe NJF group showed a significant increase in all shoulder ROM angles post-intervention. In the conventional group, all other ROM values increased significantly, except passive external rotation ROM. In the control group, all other ROM values increased significantly, except passive and active external rotation ROM. All three groups had decreased VAS scores, increased grip strength, and supraspinatus muscle thickness post-intervention during active abduction. In the control group, the supraspinatus contraction rate decreased significantly at 60° and 90° abduction post-intervention compared to that at pre-intervention.ConclusionThis study revealed that NJF during chemotherapy had positive clinical intervention effects, improving shoulder joint mobility disorders, pain, grip strength, and external rotation following radical breast cancer surgery.Clinical trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry; https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (ChiCTR2300073170), registered (03/07/2023).

Comparison of Neuromuscular Joint Facilitation and Quadriceps Strengthening Exercise in Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the effect of neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) and quadriceps strengthening exercises on pain, physical function, static posture, and balance control in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Randomized controlled trial. Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore. Subjects diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria. The mean age of subjects in the control group was 63.12 ± 8.08 years; in the experimental group was 61.77 ± 8.46 years. The intervention group received NJF treatment twice a week for six weeks, and the control group received quadriceps strengthening exercises. Standard knee exercises were given as a home program to both groups. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), 30-second chair stand (30s-CST), and single leg stance (SLS) were used to assess physical function, static posture, and balance control, respectively, at the end of the sixth week. Sixty subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The experimental and control group showed a mean difference of 3.89 and 4.17 in NPRS, 4.19 and 4.17 in 30s-CST, 6.81 and 5.71 in SLS at the end of six weeks. This change was significant within both groups (p value .000) and not significant between groups (NPRS p value .303; 30s-CST p value .09; SLS p value .525) at the end of six weeks. NJF and quadriceps strengthening exercises effectively reduced pain and improved physical function, static posture, and balance control in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Both groups had the same effect on all clinical variables at six weeks of follow-up. Hence, further studies with long term follow-up are warranted.

Study on the mechanical parameters of neuromuscular joint facilitation rehabilitation techniques for lumbar intervention.

[Purpose] To measure the reliability of and quantify the force on the spinous process during lumbar neuromuscular joint facilitation using mechanical measuring gloves. [Participants and Methods] We recruited 12 healthy participants. The operator wore a mechanical measuring glove and performed evaluations in the four modes of neuromuscular joint facilitation of the lumbar spine. The mechanical glove was used to measure the force applied by the fingers on the spinous process during the intervention. [Results] The reliability of measuring the supraspinous force during lumbar neuromuscular joint facilitation with mechanical gloves was found to be good; the force was 30.9 ± 6.6 N for front lifting, 37.1 ± 9.1 N for rear descent, 36.8 ± 9.0 N for forward descent, and 24.6 ± 4.7 N for rear lifting. Overall, the average force was 32.3 ± 9.0 N. No statistical difference was observed between passive and resistance motion. [Conclusion] This study confirmed that the measurement of the force on the spinous process in lumbar neuromuscular joint facilitation using mechanical measurement gloves has good reliability. Furthermore, we determined the average force exerted on the spinous process during lumbar neuromuscular joint facilitation and quantified the operation specifications of this manipulation were.

Effect of neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment on lower extremity muscle tone in hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction

Effect of neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment on lower extremity muscle tone in hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction

Immediate effects of neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridging exercises on walking ability and balance function in stroke patients

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of a pelvic neuromuscular joint-facilitation intervention on the walking and balance ability of patients with hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular accidents. [Participants and Methods] A total of 15 patients with hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular accidents underwent a neuromuscular joint-facilitation lumbar-pattern intervention (intervention group), a bridge exercise (bridge intervention group), or a neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge intervention (neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge group). Each intervention was randomly administered at 7-day intervals. Measurement items included the timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, 10-m maximum walking speed test, and load in the standing position. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention in each group. [Results] The timed up-and-go test result was significantly shorter in the neuromuscular joint-facilitation intervention group. Timed up-and-go test results, functional reach, 10-m walking time, and standing load (non-paralyzed side) significantly improved in the neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge group. [Conclusion] The neuromuscular joint-facilitation bridge intervention was immediately effective in patients with hemiplegia caused by cerebrovascular accidents and improved their walking and balance ability.

Immediate effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment on vertebral artery blood flow.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in blood flow velocity and the vascular diameter of vertebral arteries before and after neuromuscular joint facilitation interventions via the cervical spine approach in healthy adults. [Participants and Methods] We included 16 healthy adults (9 males and 7 females). The interventions were performed successively, separated by a one-week interval. The order of interventions was randomized. The blood-flow velocity and diameter of the vertebral artery were measured before and after the intervention. The neuromuscular joint facilitation group underwent neuromuscular joint facilitation neck flexion pattern and extension pattern training on the right side of the cervical spine, while the control group was asked to rest for 5 min. [Results] The neuromuscular joint facilitation group showed a significant increase in systolic blood flow velocity and mean blood flow velocity of the right vertebral artery after the intervention. In contrast, the control group showed no significant differences for any of the measured parameters after the intervention. [Conclusion] Neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention via the cervical spine approach may be recommended to improve vertebral artery function.

The effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment using neck patterns on the acoustic analysis of swallowing sounds in healthy adults.

[Purpose] We aimed to investigate the changes in the swallowing sounds of healthy adults during neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment using neck patterns. [Participants and Methods] A total of 20 healthy adults (10 males and 10 females; mean age, 29.2 ± 6.3 years) swallowed 10 mL of water four times under three conditions (after the neuromuscular joint facilitation neck-flexion resistance pattern, after the Shaker-type exercise, and during relaxed sitting without prior exercise [control]), randomly ordered with an interval greater than 3 days. Swallowing sounds for each water swallow were recorded using cervical auscultation. [Results] The mean amplitude of swallowing sound intensity and the mean spectral frequency were significantly higher after the neuromuscular joint facilitation neck-flexion resistance pattern and the Shaker-type exercise, in comparison with those in the control group. [Conclusion] Neuromuscular joint facilitation training with the neck-flexion resistance pattern influenced swallowing sounds to the same degree as the Shaker-type exercise, implying that this resistance pattern may enhance suprahyoid muscle contraction.

The immediate effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation on chronic low back pain in young and elderly people.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the changes in the pain severity and muscle hardness of the multifidus and longissimus muscles of young and elderly patients with low back pain after neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 13 young patients and 11 elderly patients with chronic low back pain. The neuromuscular joint facilitation lumbar approach was used in all participants. The muscle hardness of the multifidus and longissimus muscles was assessed at the L4 and L5 levels of the lumbar spine. The changes in pain severity of low back pain were assessed using a visual analogue scale before and after treatment. [Results] Visual analogue scale scores significantly decreased in both groups after treatment. The young group showed significant differences in muscle hardness pre- and post-intervention. In addition, except for the muscle hardness of the multifidus muscle before intervention, on the side with pain at the L5 level, longissimus muscle hardness was higher in the elderly, as compared to the young patient group. [Conclusion] Interventions with neuromuscular joint facilitation have an immediate effect on pain relief in young and elderly people with chronic low back pain and on muscle spasms in young people with chronic low back pain.

Exercise therapy based on an integrated concept :Neuromuscular joint facilitation

Exercise therapy based on an integrated concept :Neuromuscular joint facilitation

Neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) knee joint approach

Neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) knee joint approach

Therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture combined with neuromuscular joint facilitation in treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain.

BACKGROUNDStroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease with high prevalence, mortality, and onset of disability. As a neurodevelopmental therapy, neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) is widely used in the treatment of orthopedic and neurological disorders in the clinical practice. It is mainly used for central nervous system diseases or orthopedic diseases, movement disorders, and pain rehabilitation. According to related studies, NJF can also be used as a rehabilitation treatment in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP).AIMTo investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with NJF in patients with HSP.METHODSForty patients with HSP were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was treated with acupuncture combined with NJF and the control group was treated with acupuncture alone. All patients were assessed by using the visual analogue scale (VAS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Barthel index (BI), and passive range of motion (PROM) before and after the training. All the clinical data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 statistical software.RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in the general characteristics between the two groups. In the terms of duration of treatment, age, and pre-treatment indicators, the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). After the treatment, VAS, PROM, BI, and FMA scores were significantly improved in the two groups of patients (P < 0.05). The VAS, PROM and FMA scores were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in BI scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONBoth acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with NJF in the treatment of HSP are effective, and can improve the clinical symptoms of patients. Acupuncture combined with NJF can improve the upper limb motor function, relieve pain, and increase joint mobility in patients with HSP. The combination therapy is better than acupuncture alone. However, there is no significant difference in improving the score of patients’ self-care ability.

Immediate effects of lumbar spine patterns after neuromuscular joint facilitation on balance in stroke patients.

[Purpose] The present study investigated changes in the balance function of stroke patients after neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment. [Participants and Methods] Fourteen stroke patients were randomly subjected to neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention (neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention group) and no intervention (control group), with a 1-day interval between treatments. The interventions were performed consecutively. The order of interventions was completely randomized. Before and after one neuromuscular joint facilitation and control intervention, the functional reach test, and body sway were measured. [Results] Functional reach test values were significantly increased and peripheral area was significantly reduced in the neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention group than in the control group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that neuromuscular joint facilitation of the trunk has an immediate effect on balance and function in stroke patients.

The immediate effect of neuromuscular joint facilitation on the rotation of the tibia during walking.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the change in tibial rotation during walking among young adults after neuromuscular joint facilitation therapy. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were twelve healthy young people (6 males, 6 females). A neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention and nonintervention were performed. The interventions were performed one after the other, separated by a 1-week interval. The order of the interventions was completely randomized. The rotation of the tibia during walking was evaluated before and after treatment. [Results] The neuromuscular joint facilitation group demonstrated increased lateral rotation of the tibia in the overall gait cycle and stance phase, and decreased medial rotation of the tibia in the overall gait cycle, stance phase, and swing phase after the neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention. In the control group, there were no significant differences. [Conclusion] These results suggest neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention has an immediate effect on the rotational function of the knee.

Immediate effects of different treatments for the wrist joints of subdominant hands, using electromechanical reaction time.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the immediate effects of muscle strength training and neuromuscular joint facilitation distal resistance training on wrist joints by using electromechanical reaction time. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 12 healthy young people (24.2 ± 3.1 years, 169.7 ± 6.5 cm, 65.3 ± 12.6 kg). Two kinds of isotonic contraction techniques were applied on the wrist joint: the wrist joint extension muscle strength training and the wrist joint extension pattern of neuromuscular joint facilitation. The electromechanical reaction time, premotor time, and motor time of the left upper limb were measured before and after each intervention session of muscle strength training and neuromuscular joint facilitation. [Results] The neuromuscular joint facilitation group showed significant shortening of the electromechanical reaction time and motor time after the intervention. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the electromechanical reaction time and motor time of the wrist joint can be improved by neuromuscular joint facilitation together with proximal resistance training, which can be used as a new form of exercise for improving the functions of subdominant hand wrist joints.

Immediate effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the immediate effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) on the functional activity level after rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. [Subjects and Methods] Ten young subjects (8 males and 2 females) who underwent ACL reconstruction were included in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups, namely, knee joint extension muscle strength training (MST) group and knee joint extension outside rotation pattern of NJF group. Extension strength was measured in both groups before and after the experiment. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles and joint position error (JPE) test of the knee joint were also conducted. [Results] JPE test results and extension strength measurements in the NJF group were improved compared with those in the MST group. Moreover, the average discharge of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles on sEMG in the NJF group was significantly increased after MST and NJF treatments. [Conclusion] The obtained results suggest that NJF training in patients with ACL reconstruction can improve knee proprioception ability and muscle strength.

Effect of progressive resistance exercise with neuromuscular joint facilitation on the dynamic balance performance of junior soccer players.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the change in dynamic balance performance of junior soccer players after progressive resistance treatment with neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF). [Subjects] The subjects were 14 healthy males who were divided into two groups, namely the NJF and control groups. The NJF group consisted of 8 subjects, and the control group consisted of 6 subjects. [Methods] The participants in the NJF group received NJF progressive resistance treatment. Dynamic balance performance was measured before and after 3 weeks of exercise. [Results] Significant improvement in dynamic balance performance was observed both in the NJF and control groups. In the NJF group, dynamic balance performance was significantly increased compared with that in the control group. [Conclusion] The NJF intervention shortened movement time, which implies that NJF is effective for dynamic balance performance.

The immediate effect of neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) treatment on the standing balance in younger persons.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the change in standing balance of younger persons after neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) treatment. [Subjects] The subjects were 57 healthy young people, who were divided into three groups: The NJF group, and the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) group and the control group. [Methods] Functional reach test and body sway were measured before and after intervention in three groups. Four hip patterns of NJF or PNF were used. Two-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons were performed. [Results] The rate of change of FRT in the NJF group increased than the PNF group. The root mean square area at NJF and PNF group increased than control group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that caput femoris rotation function can be improved by NJF treatment, and that improvement of caput femoris rotation contributes to improve dynamic balance.

Evaluation of the effects of different treatments for the elbow joint using joint proprioception and surface electromyography.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of strength training and neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) distal resistance training on muscle strength and proprioception. [Subjects] The subjects were 15 young healthy people (29.3±4.1 y, 166.8±7.1 cm, 62.4 ± 11.6 ky). [Methods] Two isometric contraction techniques were applied on the elbow joint: elbow joint flexion muscle strength training (MST) and the elbow joint flexion pattern of NJF. Muscle strength (measured by surface electromyography [sEMG]) and joint position errors of the left upper limb were measured before and after one intervention session of MST and NJF. [Results] The decrease in error in elbow flexion angle repetition represented the improvement resulting from NJF. sEMG of the biceps brachii showed significant increases in the maximum discharge and average discharge after the intervention. [Conclusion] This result suggests that elbow joint proprioception and muscle strength can be improved by NJF together with proximal resistance training.

Effects on ROM and joint position sense of the neck of two different interventions.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether neuromuscular joint facilitation (NJF) training is superior to NJF distal resistance training at improving the ROM and proprioceptive acuity of the neck. [Subjects] 10 healthy subjects (8 males, 2 females) participated in this study. [Methods] The participants were allocated to three groups: 10 in the control group, 10 in the NJF distal resistance training group, and 10 in the NJF training group. A miniature wireless motion recorder was used to record the maximum cervical range of motion and joint position error (JPE) before and after the interventions. The three interventions were tested on different days. [Results] No difference of ROM was observed among the three groups. A significant pre- to post-intervention decrease in JPE in extension was identified in the NJF group. No other significant differences were observed among the three groups. [Conclusion] The NJF training conferred remarkable benefits on the cervical JPE of healthy people. This result suggests that the best way to improve proprioceptive acuity is intervention together with proximal resistance training, such as NJF training.

Effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation on bridging exercises with respect to deep muscle changes.

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation on bridging exercises by assessing the cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle and thickness of the musculus transversus abdominis. [Subjects] Twelve healthy men. [Methods] Four exercises were evaluated: (a) supine resting, (b) bridging resistance exercise involving posterior pelvic tilting, (c) bridging resistance exercise involving anterior pelvic tilting, and (d) bridging resistance exercise involving neuromuscular joint facilitation. The cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle and thickness of the musculus transversus abdominis were measured during each exercise. [Results] The cross-sectional area of the multifidus muscle and thickness of the musculus transversus abdominis were significantly greater in the neuromuscular joint facilitation group than the others. [Conclusion] Neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention improves the function of deep muscles such as the multifidus muscle and musculus transversus abdominis. Therefore, it can be recommended for application in clinical treatments such as that for back pain.