Earticle

Purpose：The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined patterns of PNF(proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) on the static balance ability. Methods：The measurements of the static balance ability were completed by 10 subjects for 6 weeks, from October to November 2007. The combined patterns of PNF were carried out by means of self-exercising suggested by Dietz, which were designed as four cases: two positions (standing and quadruped) for both patterns(sprinter and skater), respectively. The exercises were practiced once a day, 3 times a week in same condition. By using the GOOD BALANCE system, assessment of the static balance ability was taken at before and after exercise from 6 positions: normal standing, one leg left and one leg right standing when eye open and close, respectively. For each case, the experimental data was obtained in 3 items: mean X speed, mean Y speed and velocity moment. Results：The results of this study were as follows : 1. There were statistically significant differences of Mean X speed, Mean Y speed and Velocity moment between the before and the after exercise in the case of normal standing when eye open and close(NSEO and NSEC), respectively. 2. There was statistically significant difference of Mean X speed between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg left standing when eye open(OLLEO). In this case, however, the statistically significant differences were not found in both terms of Mean Y speed and Velocity moment. 3. There were statistically significant differences of Mean X speed and Mean Y speed between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg left standing when eye close(OLLEC). In this case, however, the statistically significant difference was not found in term of Velocity moment. 4. There were statistically significant differences of Mean X speed, Mean Y speed and Velocity moment between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg right standing when eye close(OLREC). 5. There was statistically significant difference of Mean X speed between the before and the after exercise in the case of one leg right standing when eye open(OLREO). In this case, however, the statistically significant differences were not found in both terms of Mean Y speed and Velocity moment. 6. There were statistically significant differences of total Mean X speed, total Mean Y speed and total Velocity moment between the before and the after exercise. Conclusions：The above results from this study indicated that the combined patterns of PNF have improved the static balance ability. However the used self-exercise can be applied to normal people, i.e., the exercise is difficult to apply into clinical patients. The further study should be focused at development of various modified forms of the combined patterns of PNF in keeping up the improvement effect of this exercise.

Purpose：The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of passive stretching, active stretching, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) for hamstring flexibility. Methods：Fifty-two college students volunteered for this study. Subjects were randomly devided into three groups : passive stretching, active stretching, PNF. Range of knee extension was measured with the subjects in the 90-90 straight leg raising at before and 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after intervention. Results：In ROM changes 1st week, 3 groups were significant difference(p<.05). In ROM changes 3rd week, PNF group was significant difference(p<.05). ROM changes 1st week were significantly decreased from ROM changes 2nd week and 3rd week in all 3 groups(p<.05). Conclusions：The results of this study suggest that PNF is more effective method on hamstring flexibility than passive stretching or active stretching.

Purpose：The purpose of this study was conducted to find out observation at gait analysis of the stroke patient with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) concept. Methods：This is a literature study with books, seminar note and international PNF course book. Results：Stroke patient gait was poor initial contact by weakness of tibialis anterior or weakness of contralateral plantar flexor, poor loading response by loss of deep sensation, poor mid stance by loss of deep sensation, weakness of tibialis anterior and weakness of plantar flexors eccentric control, poor terminal stance, pre-swing, initial swing by loss of deep sensation and stiffness fo deep toe flexors. Conclusion：Stroke patient gait determine on loss of mobility, pain, fear, trunk muscle weakness, loss of coordination, loss of deep sensation, neglect and apraxia. Therefore observational gait analysis of the stroke patient focus on gait cycle and take out hypotheses from the gait cycle. These hypotheses have to define accept or not by parameters. Treatment plan made with the hypotheses.

Purpose：The purpose of this study is to review of effect of the PNF application for improvement of the basic physical fitness in the elderly. Methods：By using internet, we research the PubMed, Science Direct, KISS, DBpia and the article on the effect of PNF. We selected the article between 1970 and 2007. Key words were PNF, Exercise, Elderly. Results：PNF refers to any of several post-isometric relaxation stretching techniques in which a muscle group is passively stretched, then contracts isometrically against resistance while in the stretched position, and then is passively stretched again through the resulting increased range of motion. Most PNF techniques employ isometric agonist contraction/relaxation where the stretched muscles are contracted isometrically and then relaxed. The most common PNF techniques are CR, HR, CRAC, HR-AC, AC. PNF exercise effected on the muscular strength and flexibility and balance and ROM in the elderly. Conclusion：PNF is a safety and effective exercise to improve the muscular strength and flexibility and balance and ROM in the elderly. Therefore, we suggest that PNF need to generalize for the elderly

Purpose：When the pliability of the Lumbar is degraded, the kinesiology function undergoes an influence and it receives an overload. Finally, it is connected with a Lumbar muscular injury. When it does the regular exercise treatment the lumbago patient the balance and function of changeover are improved. The purpose of this study is to review of effect of the PNF application for lumbago patient Methods：By using internet, we research the PubMed, Science Direct, KISS, DBpia and the article on the effect of PNF. We selected the article between 1970 and 2007. Key words were low back pain, lumbago, PNF. Results：PNF is a therapeutic exercise for central nervous system(CNS) patient and the peripheral nervous system(PNS) patient and it is widely applied from sports medicine in the last. According to research of the Jung Young Jo(2007) and Han Kou Soo(2002), PNF technique improves the pain and a condition of the lumbago patient. And the affection balanced change and dynamic balance change and spontaneous movable scope are improved. And it improved to daily life activity. According to research of Moore and Hutton(1980), Lee Kyoung Hye(1999), PNF stretching where it is one of muscular relaxation is good in lumbar muscle fascia ache solutions, and PNF stretching that muscle is relaxed and increases ROM by Reflective system of the vertebra. These researches is relation all each other. it have appeared many report of research about Pliability, muscular power, balance, mobility improve ADL movement of attendance ability and functional action improved excise therapy put effect about lumbago patient recently, it have appeared research about therapy of lumbago patient through PNF. But PNF technique is not application about lumbago patient in clinic, therefore also it is not enough for case study about this therapy. Conclusion：PNF improve combination operation of muscle, inconvenience decrease from daily life activity, ROM(range of movement) of lumbar is increase and Lumbago reduce. So we suggest that PNF will be applies on the lumbago patient and must do a many research.

Purpose：This paper reviews evidence supporting adaptive plasticity in skeletal muscle fibers induced by various exercise training and neuromuscular activity. Result：Skeletal muscle fiber demonstrates a remarkable adaptability and can adjust its physiologic and contractile makeup in response to alterations in functional demands. This adaptive plasticity results from the ability of muscle fibers to adjust their molecular, functional, and contractile properties in response to altered physiological demands, such as changes in exercise patterns and mechanical loading. The process of activity-dependent plasticity in skeletal muscle involves a multitude of signalling mechanisms initiating replication of specific genetic sequences, enabling subsequent translation of the genetic message and ultimately generating a series of myosin heavy chain isoform. Conclusions：Knowledge of the mechanisms and interaction of activity-dependent adaptive pathways in skeletal muscle is important for our understanding of the synthesis of muscle myosin protein, maintenance of metabolic and functional capacity with physical activity, and therapeutic intervention for functional improvement.

Purpose：To describes the important aspects of knee joint movement and function used when applying PNF technique to the lower limb. Method：The knee was a very important roles in the lower limb movement and ambulation. This study summarizes the physiologic movement of knee to the PNF lower extremity patterns. Result：The tibiofemoral joint is usually described as a modified hinge joint with flexionextension and axial rotation by two degrees of freedom movement. These arthrokinematics are a result of the geometry of the joints and the tension produced in the ligamentous structures. The patellofemoral joint is a sellar joint between the patella and the femur. Stability of the patellofemoral joint is dependent on the passive and dynamic restraints around the knee. In a normal knee the ligaments are inelastic and maintain a constant length as the knee flexes and extends, helping to control rolling, gliding and translation of the joint motions. Conclusions：It is important to remember that small alterations in joint alignment can result in significant alterations in patellofemoral joint stresses and that changes in the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint can also result in changes in the tibiofemoral compartments. Successful treatment requires the physical therapist to understand and apply these arthrokinematic concepts. When applied to PNF low extremity patterns, understanding of these mechanical concepts can maximize patient function while minimizing the risk for further symptoms or injury.