PNF - Techniques
Classification of Techniques
Techniques directed to agonists
Techniques using antagonists to facilitate contraction of agonists
Techniques using antagonists for relaxation of antagonists
The techniques described are: ∗ Rhythmic Initiation ∗ Combination of Isotonics. ∗ Reversal of Antagonists ∗ Dynamic Reversal of Antagonists
(incorporates Slow Reversal) ∗ Stabilizing Reversal ∗ Rhythmic Stabilization ∗ Repeated Stretch (Repeated
Contraction) ∗ Repeated Stretch from beginning
of range ∗ Repeated Stretch through range ∗ Contract-Relax
Hold-Relax
Rhythmic Initiation (def)
Rhythmic motion of the limb or body through the desired range, starting with passive motion and progressing to active resisted movement
Rhythmic Initiation
Goals
Aid in initiation of motion Improve coordination and sense of motionNormalize the rate of motion, either
increasing or decreasing itTeach the motionHelp the patient to relax
Indications∗ Difficulties in initiating motion∗ Movement too slow or too fast∗ Uncoordinated or dysrhythmic motion∗ General tension
Combination of Isotonic
Combined concentric, eccentric, and stabilizing contractions of one group of muscles (agonists) without relaxation.
For treatment, start where the patient has the most strength or best coordination
Goals
Active control of motion Coordination Increase the active range of motion Strengthen Functional training in eccentric control of movement
Indication
Decreased eccentric control Lack of coordination or ability to move in a
desired directionLack of active motion within the range of
motionDecreased active range of motion
Reversal of Antagonists
Dynamic Reversals
Stabilizing Reversal
Dynamic Reversals
(Incorporates Slow Reversal) Active motion changing from one direction (agonist) to the opposite (antagonist) without pause or relaxation. In normal life we often see this kind of muscle activity; throwing a ball, bicycling, walking etc
Goals* Increase active range of motion * Increase strength * Develop coordination (smooth reversal of
motion) * Prevent or reduce fatigue* Increase endurance
Indications * Decreased active range of motion * Weakness of the agonistic muscles* Decreased ability to change direction of motion* Exercised muscles begin to fatigue
Stabilizing Reversal –
Alternating isotonic contractions opposed by enough resistance to prevent motion. The command is a dynamic command ("push against my hands", or "don't let me push you") and the therapist allows only a very small movement.
Goals* Increase stability and balance * Increase muscle strength* Increase coordination between agonist and
antagonist
Indications * Decreased stability* Weakness* Patient is unable to contract muscle isometrically
Rhythmic Stabilization
- Alternating isometric contractions against resistance, no motion intended
Goals Increase active and passive range of motionIncrease strengthIncrease stability and balanceDecrease pain
Indications Imitated range of motion Pain, particularly when motion is attempted Joint instability Weakness in the antagonistic muscle group Decreased balance
Contraindications * Cerebellar involvement* The patient is unable to follow instructions due to age,
language difficulty, and cerebral dysfunction
Repeated Stretch from Beginning of Range -stretch reflex elicited from muscles under the
tension of elongation
Goals* Facilitate initiation of motion* Increase active range of motion* Increase strength* Prevent or reduce fatigue* Guide motion in the desired direction
Indications* Weakness* Inability to initiate motion due to weakness or
rigidity* Fatigue* Decreased awareness of motion
Contraindications* Joint instability* Pain* Unstable bones due to fracture or osteoporosis* Damaged muscle or tendon
-
Repeated Stretch from Beginning of Range stretch reflex elicited from muscles under the tension of elongation
Goals ∗ Facilitate initiation of motion ∗ Increase active range of motion ∗ Increase strength ∗ Prevent or reduce fatigue * Guide motion in the desired
direction
Repeated Stretch (Repeated Contractions)
Indications∗ Weakness∗ Inability to initiate motion due to
weakness or rigidity∗ Fatigue∗ Decreased awareness of motion Contraindications ∗ Joint instability ∗ Pain ∗ Unstable bones due to fracture or
osteoporosis ∗ Damaged muscle or tendon
Repeated Stretch-The stretch reflex elicited from muscles under the tension of contraction.
Goals* Increase active range of motion* Increase strength* Prevent or reduce fatigue* Guide motion in the desired direction
Indications* Weakness* Fatigue* Decreased awareness of desired motionContraindications * Joint instability* Pain* Unstable bones due to fracture or
osteoporosis* Damaged muscle or tendon
Contract-Relax
-Resisted isotonic contraction of the restricting muscles (antagonists) followed by relaxation and movement into the increased range.
Goal* Increased passive range of motion
Indication* Decreased passive range of motion
Hold-Relax: Direct Treatment-Resisted isometric contraction of the antagonistic muscles (shortened muscles) followed by relaxation
Goals* Increase passive range of motion* Decrease pain
Indications* Decreased passive range of motion* Pain* The patient's isotonic contractions are too strong
for the therapist to controlContraindication* The patient is unable to do an isometric
contraction
PNF STRETCHING
PNF stretching uses the neuromuscular patterns of each muscle group to help
improve flexibility. A series of intense contractions and
relaxations using a partner or equipment to help him stretch.
The PNF technique allows for greater muscle relaxation following each
contraction and increases the ability to stretch through a greater range of motion.
the hold-relax
This technique is also called the contract-relax. After assuming an initial passive stretch, the muscle being stretched is isometrically contracted for 7-15 seconds, after which the muscle is briefly relaxed for 2-3 seconds, and then immediately subjected to a passive stretch which stretches the muscle even further than the initial passive stretch. This final passive stretch is held for 10-15 seconds. The muscle is then relaxed for 20 seconds before performing another PNF technique
the hold-relax-contract This technique is also called the contract-relax-contract, and the contract-relax-antagonist-contract (or CRAC). It involves performing two isometric contractions: first of the agonists, then, of the antagonists. The first part is similar to the hold-relax where, after assuming an initial passive stretch, the stretched muscle is isometrically contracted for 7-15 seconds. Then the muscle is relaxed while its antagonist immediately performs an isometric contraction that is held for 7-15 seconds. The muscles are then relaxed for 20 seconds before performing another PNF technique
Passive stretch Isometric contraction
Passive stretch
Hold- relax
Concentric contraction
Contract-relax
Concentric contractionFull range
Passive stretch