PNF Techniques

Question 1

What is the purpose of Normal Timing (NT)?

Answer 1

To develop normal coordination of the components of the movement pattern when there is adequate strength but sequencing is impaired

Question 2

What is the progression of Normal Timing (NT)?

Answer 2

Work more distally first
May begin at midrange of pattern to recruit isotonic activity of distal component first

Question 3

What is rationale of Normal Timing (NT)?

Answer 3

Irradiation and quick stretch superimposed on contracting muscle will enhance firing of spindle afferent and increase alpha motor neuron response

Question 4

When to apply Normal Timing (NT)?

Answer 4

Having difficulty recruiting distal components of movement pattern because of impaired coordination

Question 5

What is Rhythmic Rotation (RR)?

Answer 5

Therapist slowly and passively moves extremity and trunk through increments of range while slowly rotating and derotating the body part

Question 6

What is rationale of Rhythmic Rotation (RR)?

Answer 6

Slow rhythmical motion inhibits reticular activating system and stimulates parasympathetic nervous system
Inhibition`

Question 7

When to apply Rhythmic Rotation (RR)?

Answer 7

Increase mobility if hypertonia, tissue tightness, pain in extremities/trunk

Question 8

What is Rhythmic Initiation (RI)?

Answer 8

PROM –> AAROM –> AROM

Question 9

What is rationale of Rhythmic Initiation (RI)?

Answer 9

Inhibits arousal of RAS and calms patient

Question 10

When do you apply Rhythmic Initiation (RI)?

Answer 10

Mobility and controlled mobility
Patient has difficulty initiating active movement or lacks PROM
May be indicated for patients with spasticity or rigidity

Question 11

What is Repeated Contractions (RC) / Repeated Stretch?

Answer 11

Patient isotonically contracts within weak pattern, isometric contraction of whole pattern asked for at point of weakness, quick stretch applied

Question 12

What is rationale of Repeated Contractions (RC)?

Answer 12

Inhibition of dominant muscle group by reciprocal inhibition

Question 13

When to apply Repeated Contractions (RC)?

Answer 13

Weakness through any part of range to increase mobility, stability, and controlled mobility

Question 14

What is Timing for Emphasis (TE)?

Answer 14

Resist strong components isometrically to promote overflow to desired component where isotonic contraction is facilitated

Question 15

What is rationale for Timing for Emphasis (TE)?

Answer 15

Irradiation and quick stretch will enhance firing of spindle afferent and increase alpha motor neuron response

Question 16

When to apply Timing for Emphasis (TE)?

Answer 16

Difficulty recruiting specific component of diagonal because of impaired strength or coordination

Question 17

What is Hold Relax Active Movement (HRAM)?

Answer 17

Resist isometric contraction of agonist in shortened range, therapist passively moves limb segments so muscles are in lengthened position, quick stretch applied

Question 18

What is rationale of Hold Relax Active Movement (HRAM)?

Answer 18

Recruits more muscle activity and increase motor firing

Question 19

When to apply Hold Relax Active Movement (HRAM)?

Answer 19

Weakness through range and facilitate active movement in and out of posture
Facilitate mobility and controlled mobility