PNF Descriptions

Question 1

Agonistic Reversals

Answer 1

Controlled Mobility/Skill
isotonic concentric contraction performed against resistance followed by alternating concentric and eccentric contractions with resistance.

Question 2

Alternating Isometrics

Answer 2

Stability

isometric contractions are performed alternating from muscles on one side of the joint to the other side without rest

Question 3

Contract-Relax

Answer 3

Mobility
used to increase range of motion - as the extremity reaches the point of limitation, pt performs a maximal contraction of the antagonist muscle group and PT resists movement for 8-10 seconds with relaxation to follow

Question 4

Hold-Relax

Answer 4

Mobility
used to increase range of motion - contraction is facilitated for all muscle groups at the limiting point in the range of motion. Relaxation occurs at the limiting point of limitation until no further increases in range of motion occur.

Question 5

Hold-Relax Active Movement

Answer 5

Mobility
used to improve initiation of movement to muscle groups tested at 1/5 or less - isometric contraction is performed once the extremity is passively placed into a shortened range within the pattern. Upon relaxation the extremity is immediately moved into a lengthened position of the pattern with a quick stretch.

Question 6

Joint Distraction

Answer 6

Mobility
a proprioceptive component used to increase range of motion around a joint - consistent manual traction is provided slowly and usually in combination with mobilization techniques or a quick stretch to initiate movement

Question 7

Normal Timing

Answer 7

Skill
a technique used to improve coordination of all components of a task - performed in distal to proximal sequence. Proximal components are restricted until the distal components are activated and initiate movement.

Question 8

Repeated Contractions

Answer 8

Mobility
used to initiate movement and sustain a contraction through a range of motion at a weak point within a movement pattern. Therapist provides a quick stretch followed by isometric or isotonic contractions

Question 9

Resisted Progression

Answer 9

Skill
Emphasizes coordination of proximal components during gait - resistance is applied to an area such as the pelvis, hips, or extremity during the gait cycle in order to enhance coordination strength, or endurance

Question 10

Rhythmic Initation

Answer 10

Mobility
assists in initiating movement when hypertonia exists - movement progresses from passive, to active assistive and must be rhythmical to reduce the hypertonia and allow for full range of motion

Question 11

Rhythmic Stabilization

Answer 11

Mobility, Stability
isometric contractions of all muscles around a joint against progressive resistance. Pt should relax and move into the newly acquired range and repeat the technique

Question 12

Rhythmical Rotation

Answer 12

Mobility
a passive technique used to decrease hypertonia by slowly rotating an extremity around the longitudinal axis. Relaxation of the extremity will increase range of motion

Question 13

Slow Reversal

Answer 13

Stability, controlled mobility, skill
technique of slow and resisted concentric contractions of agonists and antagonists around a joint without rest between reversals. Used to improve control of movement and postures

Question 14

Slow Reversal Hold

Answer 14

Stability, controlled mobility, skill
using slow reversal with addition of an isometric contraction that is performed at the end of each movement in order to gain stability

Question 15

Timing of Emphasis

Answer 15

Skill
Used to strengthen the weak component of a motor pattern. Isotonic and isometric contractions produce overflow to weak muscles