PNF Flashcards
what is PNF?
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
it combines more functionally based diagonal patterns with techniques to promote facilitation of the neuromuscular system
what is PNF used for?
to develop strength, mobility, stability, endurance, neuromuscular control, and coordinated movements
what is the contact grip in PNF?
lumbrical grip often over the agonist with one point of contact proximal and one distal
therapist alignment
aligned along diagonal planes- of movement
wide BOS
shoulders and trunk facing direction of moving limb
what is stretch stimulus?
lengthening a segment to take advantage of reflexive input
given at Initiation of movements and as needed throughout the motion
what is irradiation?
the spread of muscle response from a stronger muscles to a weaker muscles through maximal resistance
greater resistance=greater irradiation or inhibition of the antagonists
what are the elements of PNF?
traction, approximation, Verbal commands, visual cues, and rhythmic initiation
what is traction?
slight separation of joint surfaces that inhibits pain
often applied during flexion/antigravity patterns
what is approximation?
gentle compression of joint surfaces via manual compression or weight-bearing
facilitates co-contraction of agonist and antagonist
what are verbal commands?
they enhance motor output
tone and volume should vary to assist in the desired contraction
sharp verbal command to enhance contraction
what are visual cues?
patient visually follows the movement to enhance learning and control
what is rhythmic initiation ?
move patient’s limb passively through available range several times to familiarize pt w/movements
helps pt understand rate at which movement is to occur
helps pt learn a movement pattern
what is the UE D1 flexion pattern?
variable elbow
forearm supination
wrist flexion, RD
finger flexion
what is the UE D1 extension pattern?
shoulder extension, abduction, and IR
variable elbow
forearm pronation
wrist extension and UD
finger extension
what is the UE D2 flexion pattern?
shoulder flexion, abduction, and ER
variable elbow
forearm supination
wrist extension, RD
finger extension
what is the UE D2 extension pattern?
shoulder extension, adduction, and IR
variable elbow
Forearm pronation
wrist flexion, UD
finger flexion
what is the LE D1 flexion pattern?
hip flexion, adduction, ER
variable knee
ankle DF and inversion
toe extension
what is the LE D1 extension pattern?
hip extension, abduction, and IR
variable knee
ankle PF and eversion
toe PF
what is the LE D2 flexion pattern?
hip flexion, abduction, and IR
variable knee
ankle DF and eversion
toe extension (DF)
what is the LE D2 extension pattern?
hip extension, adduction, and ER
variable knee
ankle PF, inversion
toe PF
what are slow reversals?
dynamic contraction of a stronger agonist pattern immediately followed by dynamic concentric contraction off the weaker antagonist pattern
no voluntary relaxation b/w patterns
promotes rapid, reciprocal action of agonists and antagonists
what is hold relax?
relaxation technique
max resistance of agonist muscle
passively move limb to end of ROM then back off a few degrees
resist muscle isometrically for 8 seconds
pt then relaxes
PT passively move limb into new ROM
used to increase ROM
what is alternating isometrics?
bring the joint to desired point in range
elicit alternate isometric contractions of muscles on either side of the joint
used to strengthen muscles around a joint to build stability
“don’t let me push you arms up, down let me push your arm down”
