PNF Techniques Flashcards
3 major PNF techniques and their indications
Directed to agonist: muscle weakness
Reversal of Antagonist: muscle imbalance
Relaxation: muscle tightness and spasticity
Strengthening
a. contract-relax
b. repeated contractions
c. rhythmic stabilization
d. hold-relax
Repeated contractions: Quick stretch then isometric or isotonic contraction
CR and HR for ROM
RS for ROM and muscle coordination
Alternating isometrics
Facilitates isometric holding for weakness, instability in weight bearing, and poor postural control
Agonist contraction, then antagonist contraction
Rhythmic initiation
Voluntary relaxation, then passive movement, then active-assisted movement, then resisted movement
For hypertonicity, inability to initiate movement, motor learning deficits, and communication deficits
Timing for emphasis
Maximum resistance is used to elicit a sequence of contractions for major muscles
Allows overflow (irradiation) from strong to weak muscles
Difference between contract-relax and hold-relax
Both move towards the primary motion (against the limiting muscle).
In CR, the antagonist (limiting muscle) is concentrically contracted before moving against it on the newly-acquired range.
In HR, the agonist (non-limiting muscle) is isometrically contracted before continuing the primary motion on the newly-acquired range.
Both are indicated to increase ROM.
Maintained pressure.
A passive relaxation technique.
Pressure is maintained over the belly or tendon of a muscle, producing a calming effect. Effects are immediate, but short-lived.
Rhythmic stabilization
Isometric contraction of all the muscles surrounding a joint against progressive resistance, before moving into the newly-acquired range and repeating the process.
It is indicated to increase ROM and to coordinate isometric contractions.
Slow reversal hold
Alternating concentric contraction of the agonist and antagonist, with an isometric contraction at the end of each range.
Indicated for improving the stability of a joint.
Facilitatory in nature, and would not decrease sympathetic activity.