PNF Basics
PNF Basics
PNF Basics
neuromuscular
facilitation
History
Developed by Dr. Herman Kabat in the
1940s
Maggie Knott, PT worked with Dr. Kabat
to create handling techniques and
principles of PNF
Dorothy Voss, PT also collaborated with
Kabat and Knott to further develop PNF
Originally developed for use with patients with
permanent neuromuscular dysfunction
alpha
Ib
Neurophysiologic Principles
Use of reflex activity
Proprioceptors (muscle spindles, golgi tendon
organs, joint mechanoreceptors)
Exteroreceptors (touch, pressure)
Other (righting reflex, extensor reflex)
Neurophysiologic Basis for PNF
Successive Induction
Voluntary motion of one muscle can be facilitated by
the voluntary motion of another
Basic Concepts
Movements are goal oriented
From isolation (single plane) to functional large
patterns (multi plane) – Phase II/III of rehab
Movements occur in diagonal patterns with
rotational components, not in single plane
Resemble ADL’s and sport specific activities
Stimulate muscle spindles and Golgi tendon
organs which in turn contribute to motion and
stimulation of joint receptors
Goals
To restore or enhance postural responses
or normal patterns of motion in a patient
with a deficient neuromuscular mechanism
to enhance stability or mobility
to strengthen or stretch any muscle group
Restore ROM
Decrease pain
to improve posture, balance, and
coordination for functional activities
Component of PNF
Basic of Procedure
Classification of Techniques
Diagonal Patterns
Basic Procedures
Patterns of movement
Visual stimulus
Proper mechanics
Normal timing
Basic Procedures (cont’d)
Manual contacts
Commands and communication
Stretch reflex
Traction and approximation
Maximal resistance
Timing for emphasis
Manual Contacts
Contraindicated if painful
Traction and Approximation
Traction facilitates movement – associated with
flexion (“pull”) movements
Contraindicated if painful
Approximation
Compression of joint surfaces
Facilitates co-contraction around joints
Used to increase stability