Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Method Research Articles

Revitalizing performance: Exploring the influence of sports massage and PNF stretching on lactic acid recovery in females futsal athletes

Elevated levels of lactic acid in the blood and muscles following intense training or competition can have detrimental effects on physical performance and increase the likelihood of injury. Therefore, it is crucial to identify effective recovery techniques to mitigate fatigue promptly. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of sports massage and the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) method on the recovery of lactic acid in athletes. This study employed a true-experimental design using a pretest-posttest without a control group. A sample of 20 female futsal athletes was divided into two groups: the sports massage group (SM) consisting of 10 participants, and the PNF method group also comprising 10 participants. Lactic acid levels were assessed before exercise, immediately after completing the anaerobic exercise, and immediately after the recovery intervention based on the respective group allocation. The results showed an increase in lactic acid after anaerobic exercise in both groups. The SM group experienced a significant decrease compared to the PNF group which did not experience a significant decrease. A significant disparity was observed in the mean lactic acid levels between the two groups in the post-test data. In conclusion, the application of sports massage following anaerobic exercise proves to be effective in reducing lactic acid concentrations in futsal athletes compared to the PNF method. The findings of this study are anticipated to yield advantages for coaches, sports medical teams, and athletes by lowering lactic acid levels, enhancing sports performance, and mitigating injury risks. Practically, the findings underscore the potential benefits of incorporating a 15-minute sports massage into the recovery routine of female futsal players.

Bobath and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Methods and Their Application in Stroke - Perception of Occupational Therapists

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries and can result in physical, sensory, and cognitive deficits. The aim of this study is to enunciate the perception of occupational therapists about the application of Bobath and PNF methods in the treatment of hemiplegic patients. It is intended to conduct a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory, and cross-sectional study, with 19 occupational therapists to practice in Physical Rehabilitation in Portugal. The results show that it is necessary to carry out training for the application of the methods under study. The combined use of techniques is the most adopted model, and therapists use them throughout the rehabilitation process.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Mirror Therapy Methods Are Comparable Methods of Rehabilitation after a First-Ever Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Study

Stroke is a serious cause of premature death among adults and the reason for much long-term disability. Understanding the mechanisms of disability and the potential for recovery of stroke patients should be one of the highest priorities of the health care system. Neurorehabilitation of post-stroke patients focuses on functional recovery by activating mechanisms of natural reorganization. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and mirror therapy (MT) are neurorehabilitation methods activating brain plasticity, and their clinical utility for stroke survivors is still under studied. This study compared two neurorehabilitation methods using PNF or MT on functional recovery in patients after a first-ever ischemic stroke. This prospective and interventional randomized clinical study involved a group of 50 patients (34 males and 16 females) with first-ever ischemic stroke, aged 48–82 years being in the recovery-compensation stage and admitted to the unit for early post-stroke rehabilitation. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups in terms of rehabilitation method used: PNF (n = 26) or MT (n = 24). Barthel Index (BI) was used for assessing functional status at baseline (M0), and 3 (M1) and 6 weeks (M2) after intervention), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used for assessing a disability level at baseline (M0), and 6 weeks (M2) after the intervention. Statistically significant differences were noted in the two study groups in BI (main effect: <0.05). There was an improvement in the MT group between M1 and M2 by 3.6 points, M1 and M3 by 6.9 points, and M2 and M3 by 6.9 points. For the PNF group, there were differences between M1 and M2 by 4.1 points, M1 and M3 by 7.2 points, and M2 and M3 by 3.1 points. Moreover, statistically significant differences were noted in both groups in mRS (main effect: p < 0.05). There was a decrease of 2.2 points in the MT group between M1 and M2 measurements. For the PNF group, there were differences between M1 and M2 by 2.3 points. There were no statistically significant differences between the MT and PNF groups in both BI and mRS scores (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both PNF and MT neurorehabilitation methods could be useful for improving functional status and reducing disability level in patients after first-ever stroke during the regenerative-compensatory stage.

The efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) in patients with stroke

Background: Stroke is one of the most common central nervous system disorders. Early intervention through the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique can contribute to the better physiotherapy treatment of the person with stroke by improving the quality of their movement and reducing their functional limitations.Aim: The aim of this review is to describe recent research data on the efficacy of this method in improving functioning in patients with stroke.Method: The Google Scholar and PubMed databases were searched with the following keywords: stroke, PNF, rehabilitation. Results: This review included 10 articles. Discussion - Conclusions: The application of the PNF method seems to have a positive effect on the treatment of movement disorders in patients with stroke when compared to conventional physiotherapy. The results of this review show that the intensive initiation of the PNF method is able to improve the functional level of the person with stroke in their daily life.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation method in physiotherapy in patients after mastectomy

Rehabilitation in the course of breast cancer is an indispensable part of the treatment. The implementation of rehabilitation in the form of kinesitherapy should also take place in the pre-treatment period, so as to compensate for the possibility of complications associated with immobilisation of the patient after mastectomy. In most studies on post-mastectomy rehabilitation, emphasis is placed on anti-anginal prophylaxis and lymphedema therapy. The article aims to present treatment proposals that use the concept of PNF in improved postmastectomy patients. This method, known since the 90's, is often reserved for patients with neurological damage, but can also be successfully used in other patient groups using its main principles and philosophy of therapeutic goals. The article presents examples of activities that can be used in therapy in various phases. The paper presents the method of using the method associated with the upper limb dysfunction after mastectomy, which can be freely modified for the purposes of superior therapy. A review of available literature and own experience was used.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation method in physiotherapy in patients after mastectomy

Rehabilitation in the course of breast cancer is an indispensable part of the treatment. The implementation of rehabilitation in the form of kinesitherapy should also take place in the pre-treatment period, so as to compensate for the possibility of complications associated with immobilisation of the patient after mastectomy. In most studies on post-mastectomy rehabilitation, emphasis is placed on anti-anginal prophylaxis and lymphedema therapy. The article aims to present treatment proposals that use the concept of PNF in improved postmastectomy patients. This method, known since the 90's, is often reserved for patients with neurological damage, but can also be successfully used in other patient groups using its main principles and philosophy of therapeutic goals. The article presents examples of activities that can be used in therapy in various phases. The paper presents the method of using the method associated with the upper limb dysfunction after mastectomy, which can be freely modified for the purposes of superior therapy. A review of available literature and own experience was used.

Методика пропріоцептивної нейром’язової фасилітації після оперативного лікування геморагічного інсульту у післялікарняному періоді

Актуальність. Наразі в усьому світі та, зокрема, в Україні катастрофічно швидко зростає кількість хворих на тяжкі неврологічні порушення, найпоширенішими з яких судинні катастрофи головного мозку, такі як гемора- гічний та ішемічний інсульти. Більшість науковців зосередилися на відновленні хворих після ішемічного інсульту, що посприяло виникненню необхідності дослідження й оновлення програми відновлення осіб після геморагічного інсульту . За підрахунками ВООЗ, виявлено значну кількість хворих на інсульт, котрі залишаються інвалідами та потребують допомоги протягом усього життя. Тож актуальним наразі виступає впровадження методу пропріоцептивної нейром’язевої фасилітації (ПНФ) до програми фізичної терапії хворих після оперативного лікування геморагічного інсульту в післялікарняному періоді. Мета статті – проаналізувати використання методу ПНФ у фізичній терапії хворих після оперативного лікування геморагічного інсульту в післялікарняний період. Методи дослідження – аналіз літературних джерел із подальшою обробкою даних досліджень ефектив- ності впровадження методу ПНФ до програми відновлення хворих після оперативного лікування геморагічного інсульту в післялікарняний період за допомогою оцінки функціональної незалежності й м’язової сили. Резуль- тати роботи. За програмами фізичної терапії хворих після оперативного лікування геморагічного інсульту в післялікарняний період виявлено недостатню кількість використовуваних засобів відновлення та схильність до ерготерапії, яка не може відновити людину до незалежності в житті. Тож нами опрацьовано та впроваджено в програму ФТ хворих після оперативного лікування ГІ в післялікарняний період метод ПНФ. Висновки. Запропонований метод уможливив покращення зв'язок між м’язами та інервуючими нервами, що дало змогу знизити спастичність, покращити силу м’язів та підвищити показник функціональної незалежності пацієнтів після геморагічного інсульту на післялікарняному періоді фізичної терапії.

Efeitos da cinesioterapia através do método de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva no equilíbrio e na capacidade funcional de idosos

Objetivos: Analisar os efeitos da cinesioterapia através do método de Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva no equilíbrio e na capacidade funcional de idosos. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, tipo intervencional, transversal. Aplicou-se aos participantes da pesquisa a escala de equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e o teste Timed get up and go, em seguida, os participantes foram submetidos a aplicação do método de Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva aos membros superiores e inferiores. Aplicado contra a resistência manual do fisioterapeuta em três séries de 10 repetições para cada membro uma vez ao dia por um período de dez dias. Ao final do tratamento, aplicou-se novamente a EEB e o teste Timed get up and go, comparando-se os resultados finais com aqueles obtidos antes do tratamento com o FNP. Resultados: Observou-se que os valores obtidos na EEB na pré-terapia com o método FNP apresentavam-se baixos, o que significa dizer que os participantes apresentavam déficits motores. Após a intervenção com o método FNP, foi novamente aplicada a EEB. A mesma apresentou valores diferentes daqueles obtidos anteriormente, sendo estes valores maiores. Bem como uma diminuição no tempo de realização do teste Timed get up and go. Conclusão: Conclui-se então, que a utilização do método FNP em idosos influenciou positivamente no ganho de equilíbrio e no aumento da capacidade funcional.

Comparative effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Mckenzie method on pain in non- specific low back pain among University population

Background of the study: One of the factors leading to non-specific low back pain among University students and staff is prolonged sitting. Exercise therapy is one of the mainstays in the management of non-specific low back pain. One of the most common exercise therapy for non-specific low back pain is the McKenzie method, whereas the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) exercise is seldom been used to treat non-specific low back pain cases. Objective: The purpose of the study was to find the effectiveness PNF and McKenzie method on non-specific low back pain among University population. Methods: A randomized clinical trial involving 36 subjects (students and staffs) from the University population. The subjects were randomly chosen and assigned to 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 pain score using visual analogue scale. Measurement was performed at three points: pre-test, mid-test and post-test. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyse the difference within each group and ANOVA used between the groups in order to find and compare the effectiveness of three treatments. Result: This study showed that there was significant mean difference between PNF and McKenzie method on pain score (p <0.05) after 4 weeks. Conclusion: The study findings showed that PNF exercise has more effect than McKenzie method on reduction of pain among non-specific low back pain among University population.

Acute Effects of Active, Ballistic, Passive, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Sprint and Vertical Jump Performance in Trained Young Soccer Players.

Oliveira, LP, Vieira, LHP, Aquino, R, Manechini, JPV, Santiago, PRP, and Puggina, EF. Acute effects of active, ballistic, passive, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on sprint and vertical jump performance in trained young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2199-2208, 2018-The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of active (AC), ballistic (BA), passive (PA), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching methods on performance in vertical jumping, sit and reach, and sprinting in young soccer players. Twelve trained soccer players (17.67 ± 0.87 years) participated in the study. The jump height (H), peak power (PP), and relative power (RP) in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), the range of motion (ROM), the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and time (seconds) in 10-20-30-m sprints were evaluated. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in H were found in the comparisons between the PA and control (CO) condition for the SJ. For the CMJ, differences in H were observed between the PA and CO, and PNF with CO and BA, and in the PP between the PNF and CO, AC, and BA, as well as in the RP between the PNF and BA. Significant increases in ROM were found in the AC, BA, PA, and PNF compared with the CO. In relation to RPE, higher scores were reported in the PA and PNF conditions compared with the AC and BA. No significant differences were found in 10-20-30-m sprints. Therefore, the AC and BA methods can be used before vertical jump and sprint activities, with the aim of increasing flexibility. However, the PA and PNF methods should be avoided because of subsequent negative effects on vertical jump performance.

The effectiveness of manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) compared with traditional kinesiotherapy in the treatment of non-specific low back pain

The aim of the study was to determine whether the use of combination therapy consisting of manual therapy and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is more effective than the use of the techniques of manual therapy, PNF method or traditional physiotherapy as single methods in the treatment of symptomatic non-specific low back pain. The study was designed as single-blinded RCT and conducted on a group of 200 patients of the Rehabilitation Ward of Hospital in Parczew. The patients were randomly divided into four 50–person groups: group A used manual therapy, B–PNF, C–manual therapy and PNF, and D–traditional kinesiotherapy. Pain intensity was measured using visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and modified Laitinen's pain questionnaire. The evaluation was carried out four times: before, in the middle of, immediately after and two weeks after completion of therapy. Functional disability was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS). Assessments were done twice–before and after the treatment. Reduction of pain intensity was statistically significant ( P < 0.05) in all groups at each stage of the study. However, the differences among the groups were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). In all groups the change in the degree of disability measured by the ODI was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The improvement in functional ability in patients as measured on the BPFS was statistically significant in all groups ( P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were noticed between group C and group D ( P < 0.05). 1. All the methods used caused reduction in pain, which lasted for at least 4 weeks. 2. The best improvement in the functional capability of patients was caused by the combined therapy consisted of manual therapy and PNF. 3. The degree of disability as measured in Oswestry Disability Index lowered evenly in all groups.

A comparative study on the recruitment of shoulder stabilizing muscles and types of exercises.

The shoulder is susceptible to disturbances caused by microtraumas due to direct contact of the surrounding skeletal structures or failure of the soft parts of the rotator cuff and other muscles inserted into the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of the study was to compare the electromyographic signal in the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder during the diagonal elevation exercise as recommended by the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) method and dumbbell exercise. This study is classified as Quase-experiment. Subjects were instructed to perform diagonal standard exercises and the electromyographic signal was detected from pectoralis muscles, middle and upper trapezius of dominant limb in each subject. We observed greater muscular recruitment when the PNF method was adopted in comparison with the dumbbell workouts for the trapezius upper and middle fiber muscles and for the major pectoralis (267,30 μv/181,02 μv; 235,76 μv/;164,47 μv; 299,87 μv/148,69 μv; P<0.001). The PNF method promotes a greater recruitment of the shoulder dynamic stabilizing muscles during diagonal elevation exercises. Being so, such kinesiotherapeutic technique may be effectively used in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of shoulder disorders.

Pilates and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Methods Induce Similar Strength Gains but Different Neuromuscular Adaptations in Elderly Women

ABSTRACTBackground/Study Context: The aging process is associated with a decline in muscle mass, strength, and conditioning. Two training methods that may be useful to improve muscle function are Pilates and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Thus, the present study aimed to compare the influence of training programs using Pilates and PNF methods with elderly women.Methods: Sixty healthy elderly women were randomly divided into three groups: Pilates group, PNF group, and control group. Pilates and PNF groups underwent 1-month training programs with Pilates and PNF methods, respectively. The control group received no intervention during the 1 month. The maximal isometric force levels from knee extension and flexion, as well as the electromyography (EMG) signals from quadriceps and biceps femoris, were recorded before and after the 1-month intervention period.Results: A two-way analysis of variance revealed that the Pilates and PNF methods induced similar strength gains from knee flexors and extensors, but Pilates exhibited greater low-gamma drive (i.e., oscillations in 30–60 Hz) in the EMG power spectrum after the training period.Conclusions: These results support use of both Pilates and PNF methods to enhance lower limb muscle strength in older groups, which is very important for gait, postural stability, and performance of daily life activities.

23 - Romiplostim in Low/INT-1-Risk MDS Results in Reduced Bleeding without Impacting Leukemic Progression: Final Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

This preliminary study sought to analyze the effects of a training program based on the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) method on motor recovery of individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Eleven individuals with chronic hemiparesis (mean lesion time of 19.64 months) after unilateral and non-recurrent stroke underwent training based on PNF method for twelve sessions, being evaluated for motor function - using the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM) instrument; functionality, by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM); and gait kinematic (using the Qualisys Motion Capture System), at baseline and post-training. Significant changes in FIM (from median 67 to median 68; P = .043) and STREAM scores (from median 47 to median 55; P = .003) were observed. Data showed significant changes in motor function and functionality after training, suggesting that this program can be useful for rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors.

The influence of NDT-Bobath and PNF methods on the field support and total path length measure foot pressure (COP) in patients after stroke

In stroke patients, the NDT – (Bobath – Neurodevelopmental Treatment) and PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) methods are used to achieve the main objective of rehabilitation, which aims at the restoration of maximum patient independence in the shortest possible period of time (especially the balance of the body).The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the NDT-Bobath and PNF methods on the field support and total path length measure foot pressure (COP) in patients after stroke.The study included 72 patients aged from 20 to 69 years after ischemic stroke with Hemiparesis. The patients were divided into 4 groups by a simple randomization. The criteria for this division were: the body side (right or left) affected by paresis and the applied rehabilitation methods. All the patients were applied the recommended kinesitherapeutic method (randomized), 35 therapy sessions, every day for a period of six weeks. Before initiation of therapy and after 6 weeks was measured the total area of the support and path length (COP (Center Of Pressure) measure foot pressure) using stabilometer platform – alpha. The results were statistically analyzed.After treatment studied traits decreased in all groups. The greatest improvement was obtained in groups with NDT-Bobath therapy. NDT-Bobath method for improving the balance of the body is a more effective method of treatment in comparison with of the PNF method. In stroke patients, the effectiveness of NDT-Bobath method does not depend on hand paresis.

Assessment of the Effects of Rehabilitation on Balance Impairment in Patients After Ischemic Stroke According to Selected Tests and Scales

Abstract Cerebral stroke is one of the most important issues for modern medicine. Despite the fact that numerous activities have been undertaken for the purpose of raising awareness and significance of prevention, this condition still remains one of the main reasons behind disability. The objective of the work was to assess the effects of the type of therapy, age and period from the incident occurrence, on the progress of rehabilitation of imbalance and body stability observed in a group of researched patients, on the basis of results obtained according to the Berg Balance Scale, tandem balance test, Kwolek’s loading symmetry index and Timed Up and Go test. The test group comprised of 55 post-stroke patients. The group consisted of 29 women (52.73%) and 26 men (47.27%). The average age of the subjects was 61.02 years (age range between 33-85 years). A number of the patients were subjected to rehabilitation with the use of classic kinesitherapy, whereas the remaining group underwent rehabilitation based on the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation method (PNF).

Effects of a training program based on the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation method on post-stroke motor recovery: A preliminary study

This preliminary study sought to analyze the effects of a training program based on the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) method on motor recovery of individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Eleven individuals with chronic hemiparesis (mean lesion time of 19.64 months) after unilateral and non-recurrent stroke underwent training based on PNF method for twelve sessions, being evaluated for motor function - using the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM) instrument; functionality, by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM); and gait kinematic (using the Qualisys Motion Capture System), at baseline and post-training. Significant changes in FIM (from median 67 to median 68; P = .043) and STREAM scores (from median 47 to median 55; P = .003) were observed. Data showed significant changes in motor function and functionality after training, suggesting that this program can be useful for rehabilitation of chronic stroke survivors.

An Analysis of the Use of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitated Stretching Methods on Explosive Strength Performance in Wrestling

This paper is trying to analyze how proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) methods can improve muscular diastolic capacity. The research aims to identify the effect of using one of PNF method (Hold – Relax with agonist contraction) on explosive strength for wrestlers, and the Efficiency of the Reverse Body Lift skill performance for 16 volunteered healthy male wrestlers. Subjects classified into two Groups: Experimental and Control Group. Results reveal that post-measurement of 3 times of Bridge up test (Sec) significantly decreased (7.17±0.33, 6.4±0.37) for post and pre-measurements respectively. Flexible of spine (cm) significantly decreased (22.3±0.93, 20.57±1.01) for post and pre-measurements respectively, with improvement percentage of (7.09%) .Vertical distance (cm) significantly increased (18.61±0.90, 20.33±1.02) for pre and post-measurements respectively, with improvement percentage of (8.46%). Explosive strength (Sec) significantly decreased (13.61±1.41, 11.7±0.71) for post and pre-measurements respectively, with improvement percentage of (14.03%). Reverse Body Lift skill (cm) significantly increased (6.03 ± 0.57, 7.76 ± 0.97) for pre and post-measurements respectively, with improvement percentage of (22.29%), the most important conclusion was that applying training program that contains PNF exercises lead to an improvement of all physical variables, and led to the significant improvement in performance.

Effects of a Training Program Based on the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Method on Post-stroke Motor Recovery

Effects of a Training Program Based on the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Method on Post-stroke Motor Recovery

The Effect of Two Different Stretching Programs on Some Physical Variables of Taekwondo Female Players

The research aims to Design a muscular stretching program using the static stretching method and the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) for Taekwondo female juniors. Identify differences between the effect of each of the static stretching and (PNF) on the improvement rates in the range of motion and some physical skills variables in Taekwondo. The researcher used the experimental method by designing two experimental groups with pre and post measurements each. The Sample consisted of Taekwondo female juniors players. The PNF method gave higher improvement rates than the static stretching method in the range of motion variables and gave higher improvement rates than the static stretching method in the specific physical variables of the Taekwondo female players. Recommendations: The importance of using the PNF stretching method in the muscular stretching programs for Taekwondo female players in different age stages.