The effects of dynamic exercise using the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern on posture in healthy adults

Comparative Impact of Core Stabilization vs Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Muscle Activation, Endurance, and Balance in Obese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of core stabilization exercise (CSE) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise on core muscle activation, core muscle endurance, proprioception, and balance in 80 obese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this single-blind, randomized controlled study, 80 obese children aged 10-13 years were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first group received CSE (n=27) and the second group received PNF exercises (n=27) 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The third group, which was the control group (n=26), received no treatment. Participants were evaluated before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT) and at follow-up (3 months after treatment). Core muscle activation level was evaluated by Sahrmann Core Stability test (SCST), lumbar core muscle endurance was evaluated by McGill core endurance tests, and lumbar joint position sense (JPS) was evaluated by laser cursor. The single-leg standing balance test (SLSBT) and Y balance test (YBT) were used for static and dynamic balance, respectively. RESULTS AT and at follow-up, core activation, core endurance, JPS, and static balance were significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in YBT dominant and non-dominant side mixed reach distances (P>0.05). Clinical effect sizes were higher in the CSE group for all outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS CSE and PNF exercises improve the level of core muscle activation, lumbar core muscle endurance, lumbar JPS, and balance in obese children. However, the results of this study show that CSE are more clinically effective in obese children. The effects decline in the medium term.

An Integrated Approach to Chronic Low Back Pain: Evaluating the Impact of Consecutive Loop TheraBand Training Combined With Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Conventional Physiotherapy

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by persistent discomfort in the lumbosacral region lasting beyond 12 weeks. Individuals with CLBP often experience limitations in range of motion and compromised performance of affected body parts. Core muscle weakness/delayed activation and impaired lumbar proprioception are established contributors to CLBP. And influence balance dysfunction in CLBP patients. Exercise therapy is a cornerstone in the management of CLBP, aimed at enhancing muscular endurance, strength, and flexibility of the back muscles and soft tissues. However, the efficacy of exercise interventions depends on various factors including the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercises. This case report presents the rehabilitation of a corporate employee with a non-specific CLBP. The rehabilitation goals focused on improving balance, reducing disability, and alleviating pain. An integrated approach combining proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with Consecutive Loop TheraBand (CLX) (The Hygenic Corporation, Akron, USA) along with traditional physical therapy techniques was implemented. PNF, a well-established technique, was chosen for its effectiveness in reducing disability and LBP while enhancing balance. The integration of PNF alongside conventional physiotherapy resulted in notable improvements, including increased lumbar flexion range following the rehabilitation period. This case underscores the importance of early initiation of comprehensive rehabilitation in CLBP patients to preserve strength, alleviate pain, reduce functional disability, and enhance balance. By addressing both the muscular and proprioceptive aspects of CLBP, this integrated approach aims to optimize outcomes in CLBP management.

The effects of rhythmic exercise using PNF patterns on gait variables in normal adults

BACKGROUND

Maintaining gait stability is an important factor for preventing falls of normal adults. Thus, it is necessary to conduct research on gait variables in normal adults.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we conducted research on the effect of rhythmic exercise using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns on gait variables in normal adults.

METHODS

Thirty-two subjects were divided into two groups, the training and control groups, with 16 subjects in each group. We measured various gait variables step time difference (STD), step length difference (SLD), single support difference (SSD), stance phase difference (STPD) and swing phase difference (SWPD) for the pre-test and post-test in each group.

RESULTS

As a result of paired t-tests on various gait variables (STD, SLD, SSD, STPD, SWPD) of the training and control group, the training group showed significance in SLD, STPD and STD and the control group had no significance in all items.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, which verified the effect of rhythmic exercise using the PNF patterns on the gait variables of normal adults, there was statistical significance in SLD, STPD, and STD showing that dynamic exercise using the PNF pattern is helpful in improving the walking ability of normal adults.

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

OBJECTIVE

The 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).

METHODS

A 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).

RESULTS

Pain (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).

CONCLUSION

Bilateral asymmetrical limb PNF exercises showed improvement in pain, disability, and LM activity of patients with CLBP more than those who used Swiss ball exercises.

The effects of two different 8-week stretching protocols on postural stability in amateur sportsmen

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term effects of a static versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching protocols by means of spinometry and baropodometry. We hypothesized that PNF may be more effective than static stretching in supporting the static and dynamic balance.

Methods

Thirty-six sport science students were divided into three groups: the first group attended a warm-up protocol on the treadmill only (warm-up group) while the other two carried out the same warm-up protocol followed by a static stretching (static group) or by a Contract Relax Antagonist Contract stretching (CRAC group). Stretching programs were performed three times per week on lower limb muscles and the postural stability of each participant was evaluated at entry (pre) and after 8 weeks of training (post).

Results

The ellipse area after a warm-up-only protocol did not change; after the static stretching protocol, it was significantly increased (from 111.3 ± 35.8 to 135.0 ± 32.3, p < 0.05), while after the CRAC protocol, it significantly decreased (from 119.1 ± 23.0 to 88.2 ± 19.8, p < 0.01). CRAC group had a significant reduction in average forces (− 3.9% from pre to post, p < 0.05) and in load response (− 0.6% from pre to post, p < 0.05). Pelvic inclination was reduced from 2.22 to 1.33 mm (p < 0.01) and pelvic torsion decreased by 0.94 ± 0.22° (p < 0.05) after the CRAC protocol.

Conclusions

Eight-week CRAC protocol was an excellent training for static and dynamic balance improvement and it was more effective than static stretching.

Effects of dynamic exercise utilizing PNF patterns on the balance of healthy adults

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of dynamic exercise utilizing the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns accompanied by the abdomen drawing-in on balance of healthy adults. [Participants and Methods] The total number of participants was 30, and 15 were randomly placed in the training group (TG) and 15 in the control group (CG). The participants in the TG have conducted the 3 sets to 5 sets of dynamic exercise utilizing the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns per day, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The balance was measured by the Terax, a balance-measuring device with force plates. [Results] Comparing the TG's balance pre-test and post-test, there was a statistical significance in stability score (SS), weight distribution index (WDI), CD force plates and AC force plates (A: left rearfoot, B: left forefoot, C: right rearfoot, D: right forefoot). [Conclusion] Dynamic trunk stabilization exercise utilizing the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation patterns seem to help increase the balance of healthy adults.