Earticle

Purpose：The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) on gait ability in hemiplegic patients. Method：The subjects of this study were 11 hemiplegic patients. Each subject was taken PNF exercise with 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention change in gait ability were measured using an 6m walking test, stride length, and step length. The data were analyzed using the paired t-test. Results：The results of this study showed significantly improvement in 6m walking test, stride length, and step length after intervention. Conclusion：These results suggest that the PNF coordination exercise is an effective way of improving gait ability for hemiplegic patients.

Purpose：The aim of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation(PNF) on balance ability in poststroke hemiparetic subjects. Methods：The subjects of this study were 12 patients with hemiplegia who volunteered to participate in the experiment which was carried out over the course of 4 weeks. The Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is applied to group with three positions (sidelying, half-standing, modified plantigrade). The tests between before and after the intervention were measured by FSST (Four Square Step Test), FICSIT-4 (Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Techniques), BBS(Berg Balance Scale). The data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test to determine the statistical significance. Results：The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. After intervention, the score of BBS and FICSIT-4 significantly were increased compared with before intervention. 2. After intervention, the time of FSST were reduced significantly compared with before intervention. Conclusions：According to above results, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation improved with balance ability of patients with hemiplegia. This study provided basic data for effects Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on balance ability. In conclusion, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with other interventions is effective way to improve balance ability of patients with hemiplegia.

Purpose：To provide a convenient framework for PNF practice, we reviewed the relationship between ICF framework and PNF framework. Methods：We reviewed literatures related with ICF and PNF. Results：ICF model is useful tool for physical therapist who is working in PNF to identify the interactions the components of individual's health, especially the relationship between functioning and disability. A framework for PNF is philosophy which included the concept, functional approach. It is essential to identify primary activity limitation and causal impairment in PNF field and evaluate the their relationship. The ICF model can be used to classify the examination information. Next step is to prioritize the activity limitation and then evaluate the interrelationships among each components of the ICF framework. Conclusions：ICF model guides physical therapist in PNF practice to identify patient problems and evaluate the interrelationship of components of their health. This model is logical framework to directs functional approach as PNF philosophy to be approached the goal.

Objective：The purpose of this study was conducted to find the change of shoulder flexion by degree of freedom between the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) pattern, the flexion- abduction- external rotation, and not PNF pattern, the flexion- exteral rotation(except abduction)movement. Method：PNF pattern applied on the unilateral upper extremity in all subjects were the flexion- abduction- external rotation, and not PNF pattern, and twenty-six normal subjects(13 male, 13 female) were tested by Cybex Norm Testing & Rehabilitation System. Results：PNF pattern showed significant increase of flexion than not PNF pattern, the flexionexteral rotation(except abduction)movement, and also the female group was significantly increased than male group. Conclusion：The results suggested that the application of PNF pattern to the unilateral upper extremity had affected on the shoulder flexion by degree of freedom.

Purpose：N.A.P.(Neuromuscular Skeletal Plasticity) an integrative neuro-orthopedic concept to facilitate motor strategies in daily life. The primary thesis is, that treatment of body functions and structural impairments should be integrated within goal-oriented activities. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the functional activity itself, determines the structure. Material and Methods：A case report of a dentist with brachial plexus lesion after a motor vehicle accident is presented. The necessity for training body functions within relevant tasks is undermined by references which emphasize the importance of training realistic activities to enhance long-term changes in neural representation. Results：The treatment methods presented in this case show significant effects for the patient´s ability to participate in his profession within less than a year´s time after his motor vehicle accident. Conclusions：Current evidence supports the treatment methods of this concept. The inability to flex his elbow and supinate his forearm placed a considerable doubt to his ability to ever be able to participate in his profession again. Structural reorganization is possible and depends on functional demands, which need to be trained task-specifically. Single case reports may serve as the basis for further randomized controlled studies to support the efficacy of the treatment methods within the N.A.P. concept.