PNF Flashcards
purpose of PNF (and some buzz words)
and what we are trying to tap into
increase functional carry over- restore spiral, reciprocal, dynamic diagonal movements
“tapping into pts untapped potential”
PNF definitions
system of exercise used to influence proprioceptors to influence motor output
irradiation
def
how we use it
def: overflow
we use it by keeping resistance => other MU are recruited
successive induction
def
once a contraction starts, the next contraction or reciprocal contraction are easier to recruit
agonist working => antagonist working better
reciprocal innervation/ inhibition
def
during contraction, antagonist has to relax
4 types of muscle contractions
and describe them
isotonic:
1. concentric = shortening
2. eccentric = lengthening
3. maintained isotonic*= blocked isotonic
tell the pt to keep pushing against resistance and when u remove resistance, a lot of resistance occurs
isometric = stabilizing contraction, no change in length
9 basic techniques of PNF
- body position and body mechanics (of PT and pt)
- manual contacts
- appropriate resistance
- verbal commands
- stretch
- traction or approximation
- vision
- timing
- pattern
what does appropriate resistance do for us?
helps bring in muscle spindle
stretch helps 3 things…
must be accompanied by… to make it effective (2)
taps into…
- initiate movement
- redirect movement
- sustain movement
*must be accompanied by: verbal command (timing) followed by resisting the movement we want them to do
taps into monosynaptic myotatic reflex (alpha motorneuron)
when do we do traction vs. approximation?
what is their purpose?
traction: usually done during movement, helps increase movement
approximation: done before movement, done for stability
2 types of timing
- normal
- timing for emphasis => maintained isotonic
block stronger movement to facilitate weaker components of a movement
block part of movement and continue other movement. irridation occurs
can be distal -> prox or prox -> distal
how does vision help? (3, at least)
increases movement
increases wt shifting
increases trunk rotation
goal of special techniques
smooth and coordinated movement with normal postural control.
aka task specific training with optimal posture
rhythmic initiation
movement pattern (3)
purpose (4)
PROM -> AAROM -> appropriate resistance
purpose:
- evauluate arc of motion, tone and patients ability to complete arc
- give pt sense of movement
- relax pt
- muscle re-education => successive induction
isotonic reversals = dynamic reversals
movement pattern
purpose (5)
reciprocal pattern
isotonic contractions thru entire arc with appropriate resistance; can do maintained isotonic or isometric at any point in range
can use quick stretch as needed
purpose:
- facilitate coordinated, reciprocal movement
- improve smooth reversal of movement direction
- facilitate agonist/antagonist pairs
- prevent/relieve fatigue (increase endurance)
- increase AROM
combination of isotonics
movement pattern
when do i do these?
purpose (2)
use eccentric, concentric and maintained isotonic in 1 direction of given diagonal
*maintained isotonic is used when there is a weakness in arc of movement, allows MU recruitment
* at strong part give resistance
do these at various parts of movement for small arcs
purpose
- mimic ADL
- train pt to transition among types of contractions
when are maintained isotonics used? why?
weak point in the range, this allows time for full MU recruitment
relaxation techniques (4)
- contract relax
- hold relax
- slow reversals
- rhythmic rotation
contract relax
definition
purpose (2)
definition: technique which employs a reciprocal inhibition and GTO inhibition to stretch a limitation w/i a pattern
purpose:
1. lengthen muscle or muscle groups
2. relax spasm
contract relax technique (3)
VC (for contraction)
- ask pt to contract agonist or antagonist against resistance -“push”
- pt relaxes completely while therapist supports limb
- AROM/ PROM into new range against resistance
hold relax technique
definition
purpose
technique (4) & VC
definition- use of isometric contraction to lengthen a muscle or muscle group in a pattern
purpose- relax muscles
technique:
- take part to end range in pattern
- ask pt to isometrically contract agonists or antagonists while therapist resists all movements “hold”
- pt relaxes completely
- pt moves into new range against less resistance or passively
difference btwn contract relax & hold relax
contract relax = is blocked isotonic, tell pt to “push”
hold relax = isometric, tell pt to hold “hold”
slow reversal hold relax
technique (3)
- maintained isotonic at end range, then isometric at end range in same direction
(push => hold) - relax
- isotonic with light resistance into new range
hold relax active motion
purpose (3)
technique (3)
purpose:
1. strength at end range
2. decrease muscle imbalances
3. improve endurance
technique:
- isometric at end range
- therapist passively takes part to start of diagonal
- pt performs isotonic contraction with appropriate resistance through full diagonal- using the same muscle group as did with isometric
