PNF Flashcards
what is PNF?
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
a philosophy based on the premise that all human beings have untapped potential
originally designed to facilitate flexibility, strength and coordination- good cross fit b/w ortho and neuro
what are principles of PNF philosophy?
positive, reinforcing, uses what the pt. has
focus on functional performance
whole person tx- sensory, MS, and psychological
resistance- manual, BW, gravity. Amount of resistance varies depending on the goal of tx
ways of applying hands and resistance to facilitate certain pt. responses
what is the most important component of PNF?
rotation
what are characteristics of PNF?
method of promoting or hastening the response of the neuromuscular mechanism through stimulation of the proprioceptors
application of (max) resistance throughout the ROM using many combos of motions
verbal commands/encouragement are key and should be used according to the response you are trying to receive
visual input and emphasis will improve patient response
the mass movements are spiral and diagonal in nature and closely resemble normal, functional motions used in life, work and sports
flexion and extension first, rotation next
in the patterns of facilitation, the individual muscle contracts from completely lengthened to completely shortened state
usually done in supine but the position can be changed to alter the effects of gravity, degree of movement and functional application
sidelying, hands and knees, sitting, kneeling, standing
PT must be positioned on the diagonal since all motions are on the diagonal and therapist position determines the appropriate application of resistance
manual contact:
very important and used for increasing resistance/ demand on the muscles and providing sensory cueing
helps the pt. understand the direction of the anticipated movement or provide pt. security
vary with shifting pivots of emphasis and in some situation facilitate specific motion, muscles or groups of muscles
what is the goal of tx?
coordinated movement
facilitation through a full ROM
balance of power b/w agonist and antagonist muscle groups
what is normal timing?
the coordinated sequence of muscle contractions that occur in any motor activity
action occurs from proximal to distal
what is timing for emphasis?
to provide the means for increasing response and stimulating action at a specific pivot within a pattern, a specific component in relation to that pivot and a specific part of the ROM of that pivot
timing for emphasis is used to alter the movement of 1 or more joints to elicit (emphasize) movement of another joint
what is traction?
elongation
stimulation of receptors
facilitates motion
can relieve pain or discomfort
good for arthritis
what is approximation?
compressing joints
stimulation of receptors
facilitates co-contraction
promotes stability or maintenance of posture
contraindicated with acute sx
what is a quick stretch?
sudden stretch (or increased resistance) to lengthen a muscle and facilitate an increased contraction response for the pt in a certain muscle or muscle group
can be used repeatedly
contraindicated with pain and other situations where a quick stretch of a ms. would not be indicated
what is rhythmic initiation?
improve the ability to initiate movement
involves relaxation, passive movement, and progression to active movement, then to resisted movement
used to teach a motion, initiate a motion, sense of control, improve rate of motion
used to aid in relaxation and allowing passive motion
useful in pts with PD
what is rhythmic stabilization?
alternating resistance to facilitate co-contraction and stability
any point in the range
what is slow reversal?
can start passively
active motion changed from 1 direction (agonist) to opposite (antagonist) direction
smooth transition
any point in the range
what is slow reversal hold?
active motion changing from one direction (agonist) to opposite (antagonist) direction
smooth transition with a hold following the transition
any point in the range
