PNF Techniques

Question 1

Agonistic Reversals

Answer 1

Purpose: Controlled mobility, skill
Technique: Isotonic contraction performed against resistance followed by alternating concentric + eccentric contractions with resistance. Done in slow, sequential manner, + can be used in increments to attain maximum control.

Question 2

Alternating Isometrics

Answer 2

Purpose: Stability - emphasizes endurance + strengthening
Technique: Isometric contractions are performed alternating from muscles on one side of the joint to the other side of the joint WITHOUT rest.

Question 3

Contract-Relax

Answer 3

Purpose: Mobility - increase ROM
Technique: As extremity reaches point of limitation, pt performs maximal contraction of the antagonists. PT resists movement for 8-10 seconds, then relaxes. Repeat until no further ROM gains found.

Question 4

Hold-Relax

Answer 4

Purpose: Mobility, used in pt’s with pain
Technique: Isometric contraction facilitated for all muscle groups at the limiting point in ROM. Youtube says your focus on the agonist/restricted muscle

Question 5

Hold-Relax Active Movement

Answer 5

Purpose: Mobility, improve initiation of muscle in groups 1/5 or less
Technique: Passively place extremity in shortened range within the pattern, then Isometric contraction is performed. (Overflow + facilitation can be used). Once relaxed, extremity is immediately moved into lengthening position of the pattern with a quick stretch. Pt then ACTIVELY returns the extremity to the original position via isotonic contraction.

Question 6

Joint Distraction

Answer 6

Purpose: Mobility - increase ROM at joint
Technique: Consistent manual traction provided slowly +/- mobilization techniques. Can also be used in combo with a quick stretch to initiate movement.

Question 7

Normal Timing

Answer 7

Purpose: Skill - coordination of all components of a task
Technique: Distal to proximal sequence with prox components restricted until the distal components are activated + initiate movement. Repetition of the patterns produces coordinated movements of all components.

Question 8

Repeated Contractions

Answer 8

Purpose: Mobility - initiate movement + sustain contraction
Technique: PT provides a quick stretch followed by isometric or isotonic contractions

Question 9

Resisted Progression

Answer 9

Purpose: Skill - coordination of prox components during gait
Technique: Resistance applied to specific area (pelvis, hips, LE) during gait cycle in order to enhance coordination, strength or endurance

Question 10

Rhythmic Initiation

Answer 10

Purpose: Mobility - especially with hypertonia present
Technique: Movement progresses from passive to active assist to slightly resistive. Movements must be slow + rhytmical to reduce the hypertonia + allow for full ROM

Question 11

Rhythmic Stabilization

Answer 11

Purpose: Mobility, stability - increase ROM + coordinate isometric contractions
Technique: Isometric contractions of all muscles around a joint against progressive resistance. Pt should relax + move into new acquired range + then repeat. Should be used as a progression of alternating isometrics for increased stability.

Question 12

Rhythmical Rotation

Answer 12

Purpose: Mobility - decrease hypertonia
Technique: Passive slow rotation of an extremity around the longitudinal axis. Relaxation of the extremity will increase ROM.

Question 13

Slow Reversal

Answer 13

Purpose: Stability, controlled mobility, skill - control of movement + posture
Technique: Slow + resisted concentric contractions of agonists + antagonists around a joint without rest between reversals.

Question 14

Slow Reversal Hold

Answer 14

Purpose: Stability, controlled mobility, skill
Technique: Slow reversal with the addition of an isometric contraction that is performed at the end of movement

Question 15

Timing for Emphasis

Answer 15

Purpose: Skill - strengthen the weak component of a motor pattern
Technique: Isotonic + isometric contractions produce overflow to weak muscles