Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercise Research Articles

Effect of foot core exercises vs ankle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on pain, range of motion, and dynamic balance in individuals with plantar fasciitis: a comparative study

Plantar fasciitis is generally described as an inflammation of the plantar fascia and adjacent tissues around calcaneus tuberosity. Plantar fasciitis onset has been proposed to have an internal mechanical cause, even though this is inadequately recognized. Studies related to alternation in lower-extremity biomechanics that leads to reduced domes of the foot are hypothesized to cause tension in the underlying fascia. Similarly, despite a wealth of anecdotal data suggesting a direct connection between foot mechanism and disability. This condition typically leads to calf muscular stiffness, soreness in the bottom of the feet, decreased range and foot function, strength, and balance impairment. These results interfere with the normal biomechanics of ambulation. A total of (n=66) individuals with plantar fasciitis will be selected for the trial. Subjects will be allocated to Groups A and B at equal allocation with randomization. Group A will undergo foot core exercises, while Group B will undergo ankle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, with both groups receiving conventional treatment. The regimen lasts for 40 minutes, 5 days, for 6 weeks. Foot core exercises are exercises to strengthen the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the foot, which results in the improvement in the alignment of the foot. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises are the facilitatory technique to improve the range and strength of the muscles, which results in the improvement in balance. Ultrasound and stretching techniques were added as the conventional therapy to reduce the pain. The outcome measures will be assessed on the Foot Functional Index, modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) will be assessed at the initiation and completion of the entire treatment protocol. Results will be analyzed prior to and after therapeutic intervention. Based on the comparison of the two treatments' effects on measuring outcomes in individuals with plantar fasciitis, an analysis will be conducted.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and both sides up ball exercise on pain level, range of motion, muscle function after total knee arthroplasty.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease caused tearing and progressive wear of articular cartilage, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is recommended to patients with OA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and both sides up ball (BOSU) exercises on pain, range of motion (ROM), and muscle function in patients following TKA. Ten participants who have limitation of the knee joint from TKA were divided into two groups: the continuous passive motion (CPM)+PNF exercise group (n=5) and the CPM+BOUS exercise group (n=5). Exercise rehabilitation program consisted of PNF and BOSU exercises, and both exercises were performed twice a day for 2 weeks. To examine effect of exercise rehabilitation, visual analogue scale (VAS), sit and reach flexibility, knee ROM, and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were measured before and after exercise intervention. A two-way repeated analysis of variance was used to confirm the main effect. If there was a significant interaction effect, an independent t-test between groups or a paired t-test between times was applied. VAS, sit and reach flexibility, knee ROM and TUG did not show interaction between the PNF and BOSU exercise groups, but all measured variables showed significant differences over time. Present findings provide information that PNF and BOSU exercise rehabilitation after TKA might be an important part of ensuring successful surgical outcomes as they have a positive impact on reducing pain, increasing ROM, improving muscle strength, and enhancing daily life movements.

Comparing the Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Exercise and Focused Regimen Program to Assess Balance and Quality of Life for Acute Stroke Rehabilitation

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, resulting in significant physicalimpairments, including hemiparesis and loss of motor control. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in aiding strokepatients’ recovery, and various approaches have been used to improve their functional abilities. Two widelypracticed methods are Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises and focused regimen programs.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of PNF exercises and focused regimen programs in improving motorfunction, mobility and quality of life in stroke patients.Materials and Methods: The total of 30 subjects with acute stroke were taken from Saicharan physio Center-Arakkonam. The subjects are selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria The intervention was given for 6weeks. The entire process was performed from November 2022 to February 2023.Result: According to the statistical analysis, PNF exercises revealed significant in improving both balance andquality of life measures for acute stroke patients compared to focused regimen program.Conclusion: This study finally concluded that the PNF exercises has a high impact in improving both balance andmay enhance neuroplasticity.

Contemporary issues in neuro rehabilitation

Stroke is prevailing as the third most common neurological condition on a global scale and an estimated 25.7 million people are those who have survived it. Stroke is one of the overburdening conditions in about 33% of all individuals affected by permanent disability. Because of the high incidence of risk factors especially in Asia (including Pakistan) with an approximation of 250 cases per one lac persons. Occurrence is mostly seen in the older population and is often found with certain other co-morbidities such as dementia. To enhance the post-stroke quality of life in the geriatric population, especially the ones with existing co-morbidities. Physical rehabilitation of stroke plays a vital role[1]. Studies have demonstrated that the rehabilitation of patients with stroke is a lifelong process during which the survivors sequentially develop new physical habits, and transform their activities of daily living[2]. Stroke rehabilitation treatment protocol lasts quite a long. Therefore, it is sometimes tiresome for the patients and their families because of frequent visits to healthcare settings. Additionally, due to a shortage of skilled and specialized rehabilitation professionals, there is a scarcity of quality treatment protocols and as a result, the objectives of most of the rehab programs are not practical and achievable. Thus, preventing the patients from making a significant recovery[3]. The evidence does not support guidelines that are being followed in the healthcare systems of our country regarding stroke management. While working with individuals recovering from stroke and other neurological disorders, rehabilitation generally focuses on strength training[4]. Despite the fact, that the urban population in developing nations like Pakistan has now access to medical facilities such as stroke rehabilitation, the country's rising population is resulting in an overburdening of the healthcare system leading to sloppiness of all the medical services including rehabilitation[3]. Although most rehabilitation professionals and physical therapists know the fact that the traditional techniques used in neuro rehab are not always effective, still they use them on their patients, this lack of evidence-based practice may be due to inaccessibility to authentic clinical practice guidelines and other physiotherapy databases[4]. For instance, relying on outdated techniques such as range of motion exercises and stretching exercises for treating stroke patients is not as effective as using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises to improve the coordination and functional ability of patients, thereby improving motor function along with balance and gait[5]. Conventional approaches in rehabilitation management particularly in the domain of neurology are becoming ineffective due to the huge demand that chronic neurological illnesses are placing on our healthcare system. New creative techniques, including integrated care pathways, are needed to obtain better outcomes[6]. The process of governing skillful clinical and administrative pathways is needed to overcome situations associated with a rise in the number of admissions and long stays in hospitals or healthcare resources. Implementing more innovative approaches by management can achieve better outcomes with a reduction in admissions and shortened hospital stays. It will cohesively lead to effective treatment guidelines, greater patient satisfaction, and improved quality of life. Most of European countries are regulated by integrated rehabilitation services to help patients navigate healthcare services more effectively for an impressive, person-centered approach to rehabilitation care[6]. Unified rehabilitation at the current regional and national level with updated approaches and action plans along with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines is required to safeguard the delivery of person-centred rehabilitation care. Thus, we can conclude that there is a dire need to promote the development and implementation of standardized care in neuro-rehabilitation centers for enhancement in the quality of rehabilitation services. In addition to the use of digital media platforms for spreading awareness among the general masses, regulation and periodic reviews of rehabilitation services are also required.

A scoping review of the different types of exercise programs proposed for the improvement of postural balance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is the most common type of scoliosis, is a progressive disease that occurs in children aged 10-16 years. Abnormal curvature in AIS provokes spinal asymmetry of the upper body alignment and might deteriorate postural balancing and control ability. To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on balance and postural stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Embase, Scopus, Pubmed (Medline) and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms idiopathic scoliosis, physiotherapy, and balance. The articles selected were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from 2012 to July 2022. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The PEDro scale values ranged from 2 to 6 (mean, 3.6), indicating a low level of scientific rigor. In the sample studies, spinal stabilization exercises were most often trialed (n= 3), followed by Schroth's exercise (n= 2), stretching and self-elongation exercise (n= 2), the exercise protocol of Blount and Moe, physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (all n= 1). Physical therapists will be able to apply hippotherapy, Schroth exercise, physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercise, trunk stabilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise, spinal stabilization exercise, core stabilization exercise, and body awareness therapy to manage balance impairments in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and further studies are needed to provide stronger evidence.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and isotonic drinks in tae kwon do athletes dollyo chagi

Study Purpose. This research aims to develop a solution that can enhance dollyo chagi kicks in taekwondo athletes. It investigates the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises combined with the intake of isotonic drinks on dollyo chagi kicks in taekwondo. Method. This is a quasi-experimental study. The sample comprises 8 Taekwondo Dojang athletes from Padang State University, all aged 18 years. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling. Data analysis was done using a one-group quantitative t-test. Result. The findings indicate that Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises and isotonic drink intake influence dollyo chagi kicks. The average pre-test score was 13.88, while the post-test average was 16.25. As the post-test average surpassed the pre-test average, the dollyo chagi kicks improved by 2.38. Result t-test tcount 3,64 > ttable= 1.89 is significant. Conclusion. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercise enhances flexibility and strength in athletes. The study recommends incorporating PNF exercises and isotonic drink consumption to boost dollyo chagi kicks. Further research is suggested to explore other solutions for enhancing various abilities in taekwondo athletes. The isotonic drinks combined with PNF expedite recovery, enabling quicker dollyo chagi kicks.

EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT PHYSICAL THERAPY EXERCISE TECHNIQUES IN CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Purpose: Exercise therapy is the most common conservative treatment for low back pain. Exercise has generally been associated pain and kinesiophobia. In this context, especially paraspinal muscles need to be focused on. For this reason, the aim of our study is to evaluate different types of exercises that will help increase neuromuscular facilitation and core stability in paraspinal muscles by considering patient satisfaction.
 Methods: A total of thirty-seven female patients with chronic low back pain were included in the study. The Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire was used to assess functionality. Core stability was evaluated with a stabilizer. Pain intensity and satisfaction were measured with Visual Analog Scale. Patients' kinesiophobia levels were assessed by using Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale. Patients were randomized into three groups according to the interventions as: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercise group (n = 9), core stability exercise group (n = 14) and control (n = 14) group. The duration of applications was 3 days per week with a total of 6 weeks.
 Results: There were group differences for core muscle strength (p = .045), Oswestry scores (p = .001), pain intensity score (p = .003) and Tampa score (p = .001). There were significant gains for Core muscle strength and Oswestry scores for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Core stability groups (p < .05).
 Conclusion. Core stabilization exercises have additional effects to improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients. Besides that, the level of patient satisfaction was importantly different between all groups in favor to Core stability in chronic low back pain.

Comparing the effect of rhythmic stabilization and combination of isotonic technique on grip strength, pinch strength and dexterity of hand among middle aged healthy individuals - a randomized clinical trial

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effects of Rhythmic Stabilization and a combination of isotonic technique on grip strength, pinch strength, and dexterity of hand among middle aged healthy individuals. Methods
 Forty middle aged healthy individuals were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups, with 20 in group A (Rhythmic Stabilization) and 20 in group B (Combination of Isotonic Technique). Treatment was given for 4 weeks, thrice a week.
 Outcome measures: grip strength, pinch strength, and dexterity were assessed by the Jamar hand dynamometer, the Pinch gauge, and the Perdue peg board, respectively. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
 Results
 Notably, Group A participants showed a significant improvement in all outcome measures compared to Group B (p<0.05) when compared. Both the interventions were effective for dexterity outcome in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that application of Rhythmic Stabilization improves grip strength and pinch strength. This suggests that static Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises performed on the fingers can improve dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength in the middle-aged population.
 Highlights
 As age increases, there is decrease in grip strength and dexterity of a person.
 The grip strength, finger strength and dexterity are inter-related.
 The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation increases strength of muscles.
 The static PNF exercises are more effective than the dynamic PNF exercises to improve strength of grip strength, finger strength and dexterity.

Warm-up stretching exercises and physical performance of youth soccer players.

This study aims to compare the effects of standard warm-up versus warm-up using stretching exercises on the physical performance of male youth soccer players. Eighty-five male soccer players (age: 10.3 ± 4.3years; body mass index: 19.8 ± 4.3kg/m2) were assessed for countermovement jump height (CMJ, cm), 10m, 20m and 30m running sprint speed (s) and ball kicking speed (km/h) for the dominant and non-dominant leg under five (randomized) warm-up conditions. Using 72h of recovery between conditions, the participants completed a control condition (CC) and four experimental conditions, including static stretching (SSC), dynamic stretching (DSC), ballistic stretching (BSC), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNFC) exercises. All warm-up conditions had a duration of 10minutes. The main results indicate that no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between warm-up conditions compared to CC in CMJ (CC = 28.1 ± 4.9; SSC = 28.4 ± 4.9; DSC = 30.9 ± 4.8; BSC = 30.9 ± 5.2; PNFC = 28.4 ± 5.0), 10m sprint (CC = 2.42 ± 0.4; SSC = 2.50 ± 0.4; DSC = 2.30 ± 0.3; BSC = 2.27 ± 0.3; PNFC = 2.53 ± 0.4), 20m sprint (CC = 5.42 ± 0.9; SSC = 5.59 ± 0.9; DSC = 5.37 ± 0.9; BSC = 5.40 ± 0.9; PNFC = 5.44 ± 0.9), 30m sprint (CC = 8.05 ± 1.3; SSC = 8.27 ± 1.3; DSC = 8.01 ± 1.3; BSC = 8.00 ± 1.3; PNFC = 8.12 ± 1.3), ball kicking speed for dominant (CC = 56.2 ± 4.9; SSC = 55.3 ± 5.2; DSC = 56.9 ± 5.8; BSC = 57.3 ± 5.8; PNFC = 55.7 ± 5.2) and non-dominant leg (CC = 52.8 ± 3.4; SSC = 51.8 ± 4.6; DSC = 53.5 ± 5.4; BSC = 53.6 ± 4.9; PNFC = 52.5 ± 4.0). In conclusion, compared to standard warm-up, stretching-based warm-up exerts no effect on male youth soccer players jump height, sprint speed and ball kicking speed.

COMBINED EFFECT OF UPPER EXTREMITY PNF AND ELASTIC RESISTANCE BAND TRAINING ON INSPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effect of unilateral upper extremity proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation using an elastic resistance band on inspiratory muscle strength in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. 7 patients (4 male; 3 female) were assessed for demogr Materials and Methodology: aphic data (age, weight, height, BMI) and Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) at baseline. All 7 patients underwent 8-week resistance training for the unilateral upper extremity. The intervention used was unilateral upper extremity proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises combined with an elastic resistance band (ERB). Upper extremity PNF patterns (D1 exion, extension & D2 exion, extension) were used in the training protocol. All the exercises were carried out on the dialysis bed during an intradialytic period. 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks; a total of 16 sessions were held. 3 sets of 6 repetitions were given. After completion of the training protocol, MIP was re-evaluated. In pre-and post-training comp Results: arison, there was statistically signicant improvement (p < 0.0056) in the post-training Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (i.e., 62.71±27.85 cmH2O) compared to pre-training maximal inspiratory pressure (i.e.,55.71±24.39 cmH2O). Intradialytic unilateral upper Conclusion: extremity resistance training can improve the inspiratory muscle strength in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Comparison of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with other exercises on Pain and Disability in patients with Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Meta Analysis

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is encountered in both developed and developing countries. It has becomeone of the commonest health threats. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercises are designed toenhance stimulation of proprioception in neuromuscular junction, thereby leading to greater reduction in painand disability score along with increase in ROM and core strength. Therefore, the present study is intended tocompare the role of PNF and other exercise approach.Objectives: To compare the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and other exerciseapproaches in Non-specific low back pain.Methods: In this review, Pub Med, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for prospectivestudies fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Randomized controlled trials comparing PNF with othertreatment techniques to treat chronic non-specific low back pain were included in this review. Data was extractedand assessed for the quality of the trials by two independent reviewers. The results were presented in form offorest plots.Results: 11 studies were included in the review for qualitative analysis and meta-analysis. All the studieshowever,relatively little study has been undertaken examining the effects of massage on women in labour. Methods. Arandomized controlled study was conducted between September 1999 and January 2000. Sixty primiparouswomen expected to have a normal childbirth at a regional hospital in southern Taiwan were randomly assignedto either the experimental (n=30 were included in the meta-analysis of pain and eight of the studies were includedin the meta-analysis of the functional disability due to back pain. Overall, there was a small reduction in painintensity of low back pain in patients receiving PNF treatment as compared to other treatment techniques (SMD:-1.41 [95% CI: -1.97, -0.84], I2= 82.9%; p<0.000). ). There was marked improvement in functional disability in lowback patients after PNF than other treatment techniques (SMD: -1.63 [95% CI: -2.28, -0.98], I2= 80.8%; p<0.000).Conclusion: PNF group was more beneficial than other treatment techniques in decreasing pain and functionaldisability scores in 4- to 6-week intervention. This meta-analysis suggests publication bias.

Motor rehabilitation of aphasic stroke patient: the possibility of Rood's approach.

Motor rehabilitation of aphasic stroke patient: the possibility of Rood's approach.

Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Following Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Resistance Training Among Individuals With Shoulder Myofascial Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Various exercises can attenuate pain perception in healthy individuals and may interact with the descending pain modulation in the central nervous system. However, the analgesic effects of exercise in patients with myofascial pain can be disrupted by the pathological changes during chronic pain conditions. Thus, the exercises targeted on the facilitation of the sensory-motor interaction may have a positive impact on the restoration of the descending pain modulation and the analgesia effects. This paper estimates the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and resistance training on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) among patients with myofascial pain syndrome. A total of 76 female patients with myofascial pain syndrome (aged 18-30 years), with the pain in the upper trapezius and a visual analog scale score of greater than 30/100 mm, were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into 3 intervention groups, including isometric (n=18, 24%), isotonic (n=19, 25%), and PNF (n=20, 26%) exercises, as well as 1 control group (n=19, 25%) with no intervention. Pressure pain threshold and the CPM responses at the myofascial trigger point, arm, and leg sites were assessed before and after the exercise session. The effective EIH response was reflected in the improvement of pressure pain thresholds. There was an increase in pressure pain thresholds and CPM responses at trigger point (P<.001 and P<.001), arm (P<.001 and P<.001), and leg sites (P<.001 and P=.03) in participants who performed PNF and isotonic exercise, while the isometric exercise only increased pressure pain thresholds at leg sites (P=.03). Compared with the control group, both the isotonic (P=.02) and PNF (P<.001) groups showed greater EIH responses at the trigger points. In comparison to the control group, only the PNF exercise (P=.01) significantly improved pressure pain thresholds and CPM responses at arm and leg sites compared to the control group. PNF, isotonic, and isometric exercises could lead to local and global EIH effects. The improvement in CPM response following PNF and isotonic exercises suggested that the EIH mechanisms of different resistance exercises may be attributed to the enhancement of the endogenous pain modulation via the motor-sensory interaction from the additional eccentric and dynamic muscle contraction. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCtr202111090819166165; https://tinyurl.com/2ab93p7n.

Effects of Exercises on Postural Balance in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on balance and postural stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). <h3>Data Sources</h3> Embase, Scopus, Pubmed (Medline), and Web of Science. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Databases were searched using the terms Idiopathic Scoliosis, Physiotherapy, and balance. The articles were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 2012 to July 2022. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria to potential studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A best-evidence grading system was used to determine the strength of the evidence. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. PEDro scale values ranged from 2 to 6 (mean, 3.6), indicating a low level of scientific rigor. In this sample, spinal stabilization exercises were most often examined (n=3), followed by Schroth's exercise (n=2), stretching and self-elongation exercise (n=2), exercise protocol of Moe and Blount, physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (n=1). The most frequent outcomes investigated were the center of pressure variance (n=3), postural sway (n=2), overall stability index (n=2), body alignment changes (n=1), plantar pressure (n=1), and subjective postural perception (n=1). Emerging evidence was found that spinal stabilization exercises improved postural balance while stretching and self-elongation exercises did not affect the postural balance in patients with AIS. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Physical therapists will be able to apply physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise and spinal stabilization exercises to manage balance impairments of patients with AIS, while further studies providing more robust evidence are needed. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts.

Bilateral Asymmetrical Limb Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Effects on Pain, Multifidus Activity, Range of Motion, and Disability in Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the effects of bilateral asymmetrical limb proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pattern exercises on lumbar multifidus (LM) activity, pain, disability, and lumbar range of motions (ROMs) compared to Swiss ball exercises in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan, between March 2020 and January 2021. A sample size of 150 patients with CLBP was randomized into 2 groups. Participants in the intervention group (n = 75) received bilateral asymmetrical limb PNF, while the comparison group (n = 75) received Swiss ball exercises. The scores of the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, Modified-Modified Schober's test, and percentage of the maximum voluntary contractions of LM (%MVC LM) through surface electromyography were recorded before and after 15 sessions of exercises. The Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed for within-group and between-group comparisons of all outcomes, respectively. The considered level of significance was 0.05. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04206137). ResultsPain (in sitting, standing, and walking), disability on the Oswestry Disability Index, and left side %MVC LM were significantly improved (P < .001) in the PNF group compared to the comparison group except for right side %MVC LM and ROMs on the Modified-Modified Schober's test (P > .05). ConclusionBilateral asymmetrical limb PNF exercises showed improvement in pain, disability, and LM activity of patients with CLBP more than those who used Swiss ball exercises.

Effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation therapy and strength training among post-menopausal women with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis. A randomized trial

Thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC OA) greatly affects post-menopausal women. It is characterized by pain and functional deficits that limit the performance of activities of daily life and affect quality of life. Analyze the effects of 4/weeks strength training, with and without proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on the disability among post-menopausal women with thumb CMC OA. Secondly, analyze the effects on pain, mobility, and strength. Superiority randomized clinical trial. 42 women were randomly allocated to strength training program (SEG, n = 21) and to a strength training plus PNF therapy program (PNFG, n = 21). The Disability (disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire), pain (visual analogue scale), mobility (Kapandji Test), and hand strength were evaluated pre, post intervention (at 4 weeks) and follow-up (at 8 weeks). Disability was significantly reduced in both groups after intervention, but reduction was statistically superior in PNFG (between-group mean difference [MD]=-16.69 points; CI=-21.56:-11.82; P<.001; d=2.14). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes: pain (MD=-2.03; CI=-2.83:-1.22; P<.001; d=1.58), mobility (MD=0.96; CI=0.52:1.38; P<.001; d=1.40) and strength (grip: MD=3.47kg; CI=1.25:5.69; P=.003; d=0.97, palmar: MD=0.97kg; CI=0.14:1.80; P=.024; d=0.72, tip: MD=1.12kg; CI=0.41:1.83; P=.003; d=0.99 and key pinch: MD=0.85kg; CI=0.001:1.70; P=.049; d=0.62). These improvements were maintained at follow-up. The combination of PNF exercises and strength training is more effective for reducing disability pain and improve mobility and strength in post-menopausal women with CMC OA than a programme based solely on strength.

Immediate Effects of Single-Session Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on the Sit-to-Stand Strategy in Patients With Chronic Lumbar Spinal Disc Disease: A Preliminary Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to measure the immediate effects of single-session proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises on the sit-to-stand (STS) task and level of pain in patients with chronic low back pain. MethodsFifty-three patients were assigned to the control and intervention groups. The total time was 30 minutes (each exercise 5 minutes). The minimum vertical ground reaction force (VGRFmin) and maximum vertical ground reaction force (VGRFmax) and time phases (Tmin – time to counterforce, Tmax – time to peak force, Ttot – time to post-peak rebound force) were measured with a Kistler force plate in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions during the STS task. Pain level was determined on a numeric rating scale. ResultsMain effects were observed only in the intervention group: decreasing pain value (F = 25.398, P < .0001), increasing Tmin (F = 5.72, P = .0044), decreasing Tmax (F = 3.43, P = .04), and decreasing Ttot (F = 3.935, P = .02258). There was a main effect of the eyes factor on VGRFmin (F = 12.53, P < .0001) and VGRFmax (F = 7.16, P < .01). ConclusionImmediate effects of single-session proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises were observed in decreasing the level of pain. Adaptation effects were noted in the retention test. The STS task could be optimized in time phases and dynamic movements in patients with chronic low back pain.

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

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

The effect of stretching exercises on flexibility for students

Flexibility is an important basic component in sports activities, which supports the achievement of the maximum performance of an athlete. Exercises are needed for stretching proper this study aimed to determine: (1) the effect of passive static stretching on shoulder flexibility, (2) the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching on shoulder flexibility (3) determine which exercise is better on shoulder flexibility between stretching and PNF. the method used is experimental with pretest and post-test design. The research sample was 16 students of the Sport Coaching Education study program, Faculty of Sport, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. research data was obtained using the sit and reach test. Data analysis using an independent sample test with the help of the SPSS 22.0 program. The results of the study (1) passive static stretching effect on togok flexibility, the test results show the value of sig. 0.00 &lt; 0.05. (2) practice PNF affects the flexibility of stakes. The study results show that both passive tactical stretching exercises and PNF exercises have a significant effect on increasing flexibility, but empirical data states that PNF exercise is more effective in increasing flexibility.

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Dynamic Visual Acuity and Sport Performance of Young Basketball Players

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Dynamic Visual Acuity and Sport Performance of Young Basketball Players