PNF in sports PT

PNF principles

1. proprioceptive - stimuli produced within by movement (where's the body)

2. neuromuscular - ability of muscles to initiate, produce strength, endurance and relax

3. facilitation - increase ease of performance from lessening nerve resistance

irradiation

spread of facilitation segment to an inhibited segment of the body

- help other muscles

combination of isotonics (COI)

series of contractions moving from isometric to eccentric to concentric

- mobilize into new ROM, activate in new ROM

reciprocal inhibition

activation of one muscle group will cause relaxation or inhibition of opposing muscle group

- i.e. hamstring strength hold relax

phasic shakes

over-activity of global muscles (shaking) in attempt to achieve a local muscle activity

- tonic muscles should take over after global fatigue

contract-relax

activation of an agonist muscle followed by relaxation to promote increased range

hold-relax

activation of an antagonist muscle group follow by relaxation to promote increased range

PNF role in mobility

- relaxation

- neuromuscular control

- motor mapping

- active vs passive

- vascularity

- reduced fear avoidance

- progressive/regressive

- improves mechanics

PNF principles as a therapist

1. manual contact

2. therapist position and mechanics

3. appropriate resistance

4. traction and approximation

5. proper patterns

what does manual contact affect

strength, direction of movement, facilitation

principles of manual contact

- lumbrical grip

- don't wrap fingers

- choose surface which faces directly in line w/ direction of pattern

appropriate resistance principles

1. coordination - less effort, more controlled

2. ROM - resistance varied throughout range

3. strength - resistance is gradually increased

4. initiation - resistance gradually increases at beginning of range

5. stabilization - resistance is slowly applied

6. relaxation - light resistance, emphasis on letting go

traction vs approximation

- traction: elongation of segment to increase muscle response to segment's core muscle

- approximation: compression of a segment to promote stability

PNF scapular pre-tests

1. shoulder elevation

2. shoulder ER at 0

3. shoulder abduction test

4. cervical rotation test

5. scapular pivot prone test

PNF pelvic pre-tests

1. gait

2. lumbar side bend

3. lumbar extension quadrant

4. leg swing

5. seated slump

6. pelvic drop test (Ober like)

functional purpose of rolling

1. improves strength in and coordination between body parts

- for mass and independent movement

- for control of free extremity movement

2. develops neuromuscular patterns utilized in more complex activities

- vestibular stimulation

- develop control of abnormal reflexes and tone