PNF Therapeutic Exercises

Question 1

Agonistic Reversals

Answer 1

Concentric contraction performed against resistance followed by alternating concentric and eccentric contractions with resistance.

Question 2

Alternating Isometrics

Answer 2

Isometric contractions performed alternating from muscles on one side of joint to the other side without rest.
Emphasizes endurance or strengthening.

Question 3

Contract-Relax

Answer 3

Used to increase range of motion

At end range of stretch, patient performs a maximal contraction of the antagonist muscle group (8-10 seconds)

Question 4

Hold-Relax

Answer 4

Used to increase range of motion
Contraction is facilitated for all muscle groups at the limiting point in the range of motion. Followed by relaxation and movements into newly acquired range

Question 5

Hold-Relax Active Movement

Answer 5

Used to improve initiation of movement (for muscle groups with 0 or 1/5 strength)
Isometric contraction performed after extremity is passively placed into a shortened range within the pattern.
Upon relaxation, move extremity into lengthened position. Ask patient to return extremity to shortened position through isotonic contraction

Question 6

Joint distraction

Answer 6

Proprioceptive component used to increase ROM around a joint

Question 7

Normal timing

Answer 7

Used to improve coordination of all components of a task
Performed in a distal to proximal sequence
Proximal components are restricted until the distal components are activated and initiate movement
Repetition of pattern -> coordinated movement of all components

Question 8

Repeated Contractions

Answer 8

Used to initiate movement and sustain a contraction through the ROM
Quick stretch followed by isometric or isotonic contractions

Question 9

Resisted Progression

Answer 9

Used to emphasize coordination of proximal components during gait
Resistance is applied to an area (e.g. pelvis) during gait cycle in order to enhance coordination, strength, or endurance.

Question 10

Rhythmic Initiation

Answer 10

Used to initiate movement when hypertonia exists
Movement progresses from passive to active assistive to slightly resistive
Movements must be slow and rhythmical to reduce the hypertonia and allow for full ROM

Question 11

Rhythmic Stabilization

Answer 11

Used to increase ROM and coordinate isometric contractions
Progression from “alternating isometrics” technique to stabilize all muscle groups simultaneously around the specific body part

Question 12

Rhythmical Rotation

Answer 12

Passive technique used to decrease hypertonia by slowly rotating an extremity around the longitudinal axis.

Question 13

Slow reversal

Answer 13

Slow and resisted concentric contractions of agonists and antagonists around a joint without rest between reversals.

Question 14

Slow reversal hold

Answer 14

Slow reversal with addition of an isometric contraction that is performed at end ROM to gain stability

Question 15

Timing for emphasis

Answer 15

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