PNF Group Research Articles

The effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on functional skills, muscle strength, and trunk control in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundProprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is generally used for the lower limbs in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This study aimed to determine the effect of PNF and Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT) on functional abilities, muscle strength, and trunk control in children with CP. MethodsThirty spastic CP children classified as either level I–II in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) or level I–II in the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were included. The PNF (n = 15) and the NDT group (n = 15) had physiotherapy for six weeks. The ABILHAND-Kids scale, the Purdue Pegboard Test (PBPT), the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), and the Jebson-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) were employed. Pinch meters, Jamar handheld dynamometers, and digital muscular strength assessments were used. ResultsThe PNF group increased shoulder flexion (p < 0.05), adduction (p < 0.05), elevation (p < 0.05), scapular abduction (p < 0.05), elbow extension (right) (p < 0.05), grip (p < 0.05), and pinch strengths (left p < 0.05, right p < 0.05). The PNF group had significantly lower 9-HPT (p < 0.05), JTHFT (card turning), JTHFT (simulated feeding), JTHFT (lifting light cans), and JTHFT (lifting weight cans) durations (p < 0.05), and significantly higher PBPT (right-left) PBPT (bimanual), PBPT (assembly).(p < 0.05), ABILHAND (p < 0.05), and TCMS total scores (p < 0.001). While JTHFT (simulated feeding-left), JTHFT (stacking checkers-left), JTHFT (lifting light cans-left), and JTHFT (lifting weight cans-right/left) (p < 0.05) durations decreased in the NDT group, PBPT (right) (p < 0.05) had an increase in duration. ConclusionPNF improves trunk control, upper extremity functional skills, selective proximal muscle strength, and distal upper extremity muscle and grip strength.

Effect of Spencer Muscle Energy Technique and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Adhesive Capsulitis

Background: Adhesive Capsulitis in the shoulder characterized as a self-limiting situation that lasts only while ithas also been described as a 24 week long-term impairment caused by a chronic condition. SMET is a widely usedmethod to restore normal ROM and reduce pain. PNF aims to improve joint synchronization, movement control,and mobility.Purpose: This study focuses on the effect of Spencer Muscle Energy Technique and Proprioceptive NeuromuscularFacilitation for reducing pain and disability in Adhesive Capsulitis.Materials and Methods: A total of 40 participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria fromEyan Healthcare Foundation during the period of November 2022 to July 2023. They were split into two groups,with 20 Participants receiving Spencer Muscle Energy Technique and 20 Participants receiving ProprioceptiveNeuromuscular Facilitation. Subjects with age of 40-70 years, with or without diabetes and pain or stiffness onshoulder were included and Subjects with recent trauma, injury around the shoulder were excluded in the study.All the subjects underwent pre-test measurement with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the samerepeated for post-test measurement at the end of 4 weeks.Results: By statistical analysis there is a significant difference between the two groups. The Spencer group displaysa greater difference than the PNF group when comparing mean differences of the two groups using SPADI.Conclusion: The study concluded that subjects who underwent Spencer Muscle Energy Technique are found tobe more effective in reducing pain and disability than Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in AdhesiveCapsulitis.

EFFECTIVENESS OF PNF STRETCHING (CONTRACT-RELAX) IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis of the knee causes pain, restricted range of motion (ROM), diminished physical function, and other symptoms. Due to severe muscular weakness, stiffness, and joint pain, people with knee OA have demonstrated a reduction in their ability to use their lower limbs functionally1 .Hence the need for study is to compare the PNF stretching and conventional treatment in improving physical function and reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis. Objective: The goal of the research is to determine how PNF Stretching Technique and Conventional exercise affect knee osteoarthritis pain and physical function. Method: STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLING TECHNIQUE: Convenient Sampling technique. SAMPLE SIZE: 30. Result:The data that had been gathered was statistically analysed using an unpaired t-test. Compared to the traditional group, the PNF group exhibits, the test indicates significant effects (p 0.05) in lowering pain and improving physical function, as assessed by the NPRS and WOMAC questionnaires. Conclusion:PNF stretching exercises were found to be more successful than conventional exercise in OA knee patients in relieving pain and improving functional ability. Key Words:Osteoarthritis, NPRS, WOMAC questionnaire, PNF Stretching exercise , conventionaltherapy.

Effects of conventional physical therapy with and without proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance, gait, and function in patients with Parkinson's disease.

The study was conducted at University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, using non-probability convenience sampling. Thirty-eight patients of Parkinson's disease were allocated by randomisation into two groups. PNF Group (group A) performed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation incorporated with conservative treatment, while for the conventional therapy group (group B) only conservative treatment was followed. Berg Balance Scale, Freezing of Gait questionnaire, and Functional Independence measure were used as outcome measuring tool. Berg balance scale values were significantly improved in group A at 12th week as compared to group B. Freezing of gait and functional independence was more significantly reduced in group A at sixth and 12th week as compared to group B. Hence, it is concluded that Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with routine treatment regime improves balance, gait, and function of Parkinson's patients more effectively as compared with routine treatment protocol only.

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

Immediate and Long-Term Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Static Stretching on Joint Range of Motion, Flexibility, and Electromyographic Activity of Knee Muscles in Older Adults.

Introduction and Objective: Previously, various stretching techniques were compared to study their effects on the different physiological parameters of hamstring muscles in the elderly population. There is no research that compares the immediate and long-term effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-contract-relax (PNF-CR) and static stretching (SS) techniques on knee range of motion (ROM), hamstring flexibility, and knee flexor muscle EMG activity in the elderly. This study intends to compare the same. Methods: A total of 30 males aged 55-75 years were randomly assigned into the PNF-CR group (n = 10), SS group (n = 10), and control group (n = 10). The PNF-CR group received four trials of the contract-relax technique, the SS group received passive stretching of an 80 s duration by the therapist, and the control group received no intervention. A total of 12 sessions were given during the four-week period. Knee range of motion, electromyographic activity of the biceps femoris, and the sit-and-reach test were taken for the dominant side thrice: pre-intervention, immediately after stretching, and after the training period. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of biceps femoris between the PNF and the control groups (p = 0.01) after four weeks of intervention. The knee ROM and hamstring flexibility for the PNF group showed significant improvement immediately post-test (p = 0.01) and after four weeks of training (p = 0.07 and p = 0.001). SS showed significant results for both ROM and flexibility after four weeks of intervention (p = 0.001), and significant immediate post-test improvements were seen for ROM only (p = 0.007). Conclusions: PNF stretching has an immediate, as well as long-term, effect on knee ROM and hamstring flexibility, whereas it has only a long-term effect on muscle electromyographic activity. SS has an immediate, as well as long-term, effect on knee ROM and only a long-term effect on hamstring flexibility, without any immediate or long-term effects on muscle electromyographic activity.

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].

Comparative Study on Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Facial Motor Imagery Techniques on Bell’s Palsy

Background Bellrsquos palsy BP was effectively treated with few physiotherapy approaches exercises and electrical stimulation. Studies have identified that Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation PNF Facial Motor Imagery FMI can manage disabilities of BP better. However no trials have compared the effect of PNF and FMI on BP. The objective of the study is to analyze and compare PNF and FMI in the recovery of impairment disability and facial nerve function in patients with BP.Methodology Forty-two patients with Bellrsquos palsy HB IV were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A received PNF and group B received FMI techniques and all the patients were treated with facial expression exercises and electrical stimulation for five days in a week for four weeks. The outcome measures like Facial Disability Index FDI Facial-Clinimetric Evaluation FaCE and House-Brackmann HB scale were implemented. Pre-and post intervention scores were recorded respectively.Results The analysis of the scores of HB FDI FaCE scales showed progressive changes in both the groups with 95 confidence interval plt0.001. PNF group exhibited greater recovery in comparison with motor imagery group in HB scale 2.24 to 2.71CI vs 1.29 to 1.76 CI respectively reduction in disability according to FDI physical sub scale 50.70 to53.10 CI vs 32.41 to 44.06 respectively and social sub-scale 37.11 to 41.74 vs 13.76 to 27.66 respectively scores and improved quality of life in terms of FaCE 32.08 to 37.44 vs17.47 to 25.39 respectively scores.Conclusion Both PNF and FMI are efficacious in minimizing the facial disability improving facial nerve function and enhancing the quality of life in patients with BP. The results of the statistical analysis showed that PNF increased effectiveness in the management of Bells palsy in comparison with FMI.

The Effects of PNF Pattern Training on the Walking Ability of Total Knee Replacement Patients

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern to improve walking ability of total knee replacement patients. In this study, 10 patients with total knee replacement were recruited from rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=5) and a control group (n=5). The PNF group received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM) and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for two weeks. The control group received 30 minutes of CPM and strengthening exercise for 15minutes five times a week for two weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. After the training periods, the PNF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed and step length on the non-operated side, time on each foot on the operated side (p&lt;0.05). The results of this study showed that PNF pattern training was more effective at improving walking ability. Therefore, improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, PNF lower pattern should be considered.

The Effects of PNF Pattern Training on the Walking Ability of Total Knee Replacement Patients

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern to improve walking ability of total knee replacement patients. In this study, 10 patients with total knee replacement were recruited from rehabilitation hospital. They were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=5) and a control group (n=5). The PNF group received 30 minutes of continuous passive motion (CPM) and PNF training for 15 minutes five times a week for two weeks. The control group received 30 minutes of CPM and strengthening exercise for 15minutes five times a week for two weeks. Spatiotemporal parameters were measured by Biodex gait trainer 2. After the training periods, the PNF group showed a significant improvement in walking speed and step length on the non-operated side, time on each foot on the operated side (p&lt;0.05). The results of this study showed that PNF pattern training was more effective at improving walking ability. Therefore, improve the walking ability of total knee replacement patients, PNF lower pattern should be considered.

Acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises on the postural strategy in patients with chronic low back pain

IntroductionActive treatments focused on improvement in motor function are postulated in chronic low back patients (CLBP). Objectiveto establish the acute effects of PNF exercise on the postural control strategy. MethodsThe sway of the body was tested before intervention in fifty-three CLBP patients and after that participants were randomly assigned into the intervention PNF group (n = 25).Mean velocity (VEL) and sample entropy (SEn), over the center of pressure in the mediolateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) planes served to estimate the postural strategy and automaticity levels in the neuromuscular controller. Tandem and one-leg standing tests (OLST) with eyes open and eyes closed were used. ResultsPain intensity decreased after the intervention. The VEL was no longer vision-dependent in both planes. The SEn decreased immediately after the exercise and either returned to or even exceeded the baseline values in the OLST ML plane. ConclusionA single session of PNF exercise may have a beneficial effect on pain and postural control in CLBP patients. The statistically significant pain relief combined with newly acquired better control of posture may have encouraged the PNF group participants to a subconscious exploration of the stability area. Postural movements were more automatized in OLST in the delayed test.

Effect of Pnf Stretching on Proprioception and Physical Function in Individual with Knee Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study

Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee leads to pain, difficulty in joint, reduced ROM and impaired Proprioceptive accuracy. PNF stretching are used to improve muscle flexibility, pain, ROM. Recently, impaired Proprioceptive accuracy of the knee has been proposed as a local factor in the onset and progression of radiographic knee OA.PNF technique is specifically designed to stimulate mechanoreceptors and Literature show significant effect of static as well as PNF stretching on clinical symptoms of OA knee, but impaired Proprioception is yet not so focused. Aim: Aim of the study was to find out the effect of PNF stretching on Proprioception and Physical Function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: 50 participants were Selected according to selection criteria and randomly divided into PNF and Control Group. in which Outcome Measure for Proprioception by Absolute Angle error with use of universal Goniometer and Physical Function by Gujarati Version of WOMAC(mWOMAC)Results and Discussion: The result of the present study shows significant improvement found in the PNF group with p value &lt;0.05 for Proprioception and Physical function. Conclusion: Here the study concluded that PNF stretching is statistically and clinically shows significantly effective in Proprioception as well as physical function in OA knee patients. So it can be useful in clinical rehabilitation protocol.

Effect of K-line on posterior cervical surgery in patients with posterior longitudinal ligament ossification.

To evaluate the effect of K-line on posterior single-door decompression with fusion fixation (PFF) and posterior single-door decompression with non-fusion fixation (PNF) for patients with ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). A total of 65 patients with OPLL were analyzed retrospectively. They consisted of 44 patients with positive K-line, designated as the K ( +) group, and 21 patients with negative K-line, designated as K (-). The patients were also divided into a PFF group (38 patients) and a PNF group (27 patients). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, C2-C7 Cobb angle, improvement rate of JOA score, and complications were calculated and statistically analyzed between the groups. In the K ( +) group, there were no significant differences in the incidence of C5 nerve root palsy and C2-C7 Cobb angle between the two groups of surgical patients, but there were significant differences in the improvement rate of JOA score and the incidence of axial pain. In the K (-) group, there were no significant differences in the incidence of axial pain, the incidence of C5 nerve root palsy, and preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle between the two groups, but significant differences were observed in the improvement rate of JOA score and C2-C7 Cobb angle at the last follow-up. In the K ( +) group, the improvement rate of JOA score was higher and the incidence of axial pain was lesser in the PNF group than in the PFF group. In the K (-) group, the improvement rate of JOA score was higher in the PFF group than in the PNF group, and there was significant loss of C2-C7 Cobb angle in the PNF group.

The changes of functional disability in non-specific low back pain among University population after proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Mckenzie method

Background of study: Non-specific low back pain (LBP) becomes the most common cases in University population. Prolonged sitting has been identified as one of the factors leading to non-specific LBP among University population. The purpose of the study is to identify the change of functional disability in non-specific LBP among university population after PNF and McKenzie method. Methods: A quasi-experimental study involving 36 subjects (students and office workers) from the university population. The study population were selected from students and office worker of KPJ Healthcare University College (KPJUC) who met the inclusion criteria. The subjects were divided into three treatment groups: PNF group, McKenzie group and control group (hot pack and educational home exercise sheet) which underwent 12 treatment sessions distributed over three times in a week for four weeks duration. Subjects were measured on functional disability by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Measurement was performed at pre-test, mid-test and post-test. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse the effectiveness of PNF and McKenzie treatments based on the measurement time. Result: This study showed that the PNF and McKenzie gave effect in improving ODI score in within group analysis. However, the results of PNF showed that it has more effect than McKenzie method on functional disability score (p <0.05) after 4 weeks. Conclusion: There was a change in functional disability on non-specific LBP after PNF and McKenzie method. Furthermore, the study findings showed that the PNF exercise has more effect in improving functional disability compared to McKenzie method on non-specific LBP among university population

Effect of different recovery periods during a high Intensity Training (HIT) session on some hematologic factors and Muscle Damage in active males

Background: Recovery periods during intense exercise cause changes in blood flow, such as hematologic factors and Muscle Damage. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of different recovery in an high intensity training session changes of platelets, white blood cells and creatine kinase serum before, immediately after and two hours after exhaustive exercise in healthy active men. Methods: In this stude, 24 healthy men (Age: 21/07± 1/57, weight: 68/41± 11/75, body fat percentage: 15/93± 6/11 and VO2max: 41/83± 5/87) were selected and randomly divided into three groups including: control, aerobic and stretching PNF recovery were studied. The blood samples were collected from anticubital venous in at pre-test, post-test and follow up. To measure the platelets and white blood cells values, Flowcytometry and equipment Mindray BC-5800 and to measure creatine kinase serum values ELISA technique was used. And to identify significant the data for the analysis of variance with repeated measures with Bonferroni post hoc tests at a significance level of α=0.05 was used. Results: There was a significant difference about the amount of platelets, white blood cells and creatine kinase serum in different periods of pre-test, post-test and follow-up revealed(P<0.001). The Bonferroni Post-hoc test results showed a significant difference in the control group between post-test and follow-up(P<0.05), in the PNF group between pre-test and post-test(P<0.05) and post-test and follow-up(P<0.01) and in the aerobic group between pre-test and post-test(P<0.001) and post-test and follow-up periods(P<0.01). Bonferroni post hoc test creatine kinase serum results, showed significant differences between the control group post-test and follow-up(P<0.05), PNF group between pre-test and post-test periods(P<0.05) and post-test and follow-up (P<0.01). Conclusion: There was no effect of aerobic recovery and PNF stretching at rest in a HIT training session on platelets, white blood cells and creatine kinase is, but a change in values before and after training in each group. The advantage of active and passive recovery for changes in some hematological values and no Muscle Damage after an intense training. Keyword: PNF Stretching, Exercises HIT, Platelets, White Blood Cell, Creatine Kinase Serum, Active Males

Acute Effects of Two Hip Flexor Stretching Techniques on Knee Joint Position Sense and Balance

Tightness of hip flexor (THF) muscles has been recognized as a risk factor for various musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremities. Abnormal knee joint position sense (JPS) has also been linked to several orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions in the knee joint. PURPOSE: To examine the acute effects of two hip flexor stretching techniques on hip extension range of motion (ROM), knee JPS and dynamic balance performance (DB). METHODS: Thirty-six healthy college age students (24 males, 11 females, mean age 22.37 ± 1.63 years, height 171.05 ± 9.64 cm, and weight 72 ± 13.70 kg) with THF participated in this study. Hip extension ROM, knee JPS and DB were measured pre- and post-stretching using a digital inclinometer, an iPod touch and the Y-balance kit, respectively. Subjects were randomly divided into dynamic stretching (DS), and hold-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (HR-PNF) groups. Three-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore if an interaction existed between the groups (DS vs. HR-PNF), time (pre-and post) and side of hip (right vs. left) in hip extension ROM, knee JPS and DB measurements. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of time on hip extension ROM in both stretching groups (pre = 9.37°, 9.64°, vs post = 0.18°, 0.27°, right and left hips, respectively; p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant effect of stretch type on hip extension ROM (-3.87°, -2.48 °) and (-0.90°, -0.26°) right, left, PNF versus DS group, post- stretching time points, respectively; p = 0.004) favoring HR-PNF over DS. There was a non-significant effect of time on mean knee JPS replication error in both groups. In DB measurement, there was a significant main effect of time and directions of reach on the Y-balance test’s mean distance. The total mean distance of reach to posterolateral direction for both stretching groups (pre = 110.96 %, post = 113.48 %) was larger than the total mean distance of reach to posteromedial direction (pre = 103.82 %, post = 107.94 %) which was in turn larger than the total mean distance of reach to the anterior direction (pre = 66.49 %, post = 65.64 %; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DS and HR-PNF stretching resulted in a significant acute improvement in hip extension ROM and DB measures. However, knee JPS replication error results showed nonsignificant improvement over time in either stretching group.

PNF and manual therapy treatment results of patients with cervical spine osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PNF and manual therapy methods in the treatment of patients with cervical spine osteoarthritis, especially their efficacy in reducing pain and improving functionality in everyday life. Long-term results were also compared in order to determine which method of treatment is more effective.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty randomly selected females aged 45–65 were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups of 40 persons. One group received PNF treatment and the other received manual therapy (MAN.T). To evaluate functional capabilities, the Functional Rating Index was used. To evaluate changes in pain, a shortened version of the McGill Questionnaire was used.RESULT: The PNF group achieved a greater reduction in pain than the MAN.T group. The PNF group showed a greater improvement in performing daily activities such as sleeping, personal care, travelling, work, recreation, lifting, walking and standing as well as decreased intensity and frequency of pain compared to the MAN.T group.CONCLUSION: The PNF method proved to be more effective in both short (after two weeks) and long (after three months) term.

Comparison between Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Neuromuscular Re-Education for Reducing Facial Disability and Synkinesis in Patients with Bell’s palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of neuromuscular re-education technique and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on improving facial disability and synkinesis in rehabilitation of bell's palsy. Methodology: It was a randomized clinical trial consisting 40 participants (males and females) 20 in each group, with Bell’s palsy of non-traumatic origin. Group A received proprioceptive neuromuscular technique (PNF) with conventional PT treatment and Group B received facial neuromuscular re-education technique (NMR) combined with conventional PT treatment for 6 days a week for 4 weeks. Results: The result suggest that Group A had significant higher score at Sunny brook facial grading scale (SFGS) whereas in Facial Disability Index (FDI) Group A had significant difference at total score but there was no significant difference over individual component (social and physical function). Group B had significant better improvement over Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ). Conclusions: Both PNF group and NMR showed significant results and displayed efficient improvement in facial symmetry after 4 weeks of treatment. PNF with conventional PT is more effective in improving facial function and reducing facial disability whereas NMR with conventional PT is better in reducing synkinesis in Bell’s palsy rehabilitation.

Scapular Winging

Objectives:To investigate the effects of scapular muscle training with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques (PNF) on shoulder muscle strength, endurance and function in subjects with winging scapula.Methods:Forty subjects with bilateral winging scapula were randomly allocated into PNF Group (n=20, age:20.85±1.34 years), and Controls (n=20, age:20.77±1.77 years). PNF techniques in scapular diagonals were applied for scapular positioning and toning of the surrounding muscles for 3 days/week, 5 weeks. Shoulder muscle strength was evaluated diagonally with Biodex System 3 Pro isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, USA) at 60 and 180º/s. The scapular muscle endurance with Scapular Isometric Pinch Test, functional ability with Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) was assessed. Paired and independent t tests were used for analysis.Results:For pre (1) and post (2) applications, significant improvement on 60º/s flexion peak torque/bodyweight (1:36.78±13.05; 2:61.22±29.75), 60º/s extension peak torque/bodyweight (1:65.35±23.27; 2:80.18±38.66), 180º/s flexion peak torque/bodyweight (1:40.69±15.32; 2:50.84±23.90) on dominant sides; scapular endurance (1:31.95±23.06; 2:51.15±31.08 sn) and DASH score (1:7.86±12.00; 2:5.25±9.28) were found in PNF group (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed for Controls (p>0.05). Scapular endurance, flexion and extension peak torque/bodyweight at 60º/s were different in favor of PNF group in intergroup comparisons (p<0.05).Conclusion:Scapular muscle training with PNF may be effective in improving scapular and shoulder muscle strength, endurance and function in subjects with winging scapula.

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Therapy on Pain and Function

[Purpose] The present study examined the effects of treatment using PNF extension techniques on the pain, pressure pain, and neck and shoulder functions of the upper trapezius muscles of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) patients. [Subjects] Thirty-two patients with MPS in the upper trapezius muscle were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=16), and a control group (n=16) [Methods] The PNF group received upper trapezius muscle relaxation therapy and shoulder joint stabilizing exercises. Subjects in the control group received only the general physical therapies for the upper trapezius muscles. Subjects were measured for pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), the neck disability index (NDI), and the Constant-Murley scale (CMS). [Results] None of the VAS, PPT, and NDI results showed significant differences between the groups, while performing postures, internal rotation, and external rotation among the CMS items showed significant differences between the groups. [Conclusion] Exercise programs that apply PNF techniques can be said to be effective at improving the function of MPS patients.