Neurological phenomena in PNF 

The phenomena that make PNF an effective treatment and diagnostic tool for physiotherapists are :  

• Reciprocal inhibition

According to this phenomenon the antagonist’s muscles are evoked by the contraction of the agonist’s muscle. Simply means when the agonist is activated antagonist is inactivated vica versa. PNF is a phenomenon in man and must be suspected of playing a major role in the control of voluntary movements.

• Autogenic inhibition

Autogenic inhibition is a phenomenon in which stretched muscle in the form of a decrease in excitability because of inhibitory signals sent from the GTOs of the same muscle which create tension within GTOs.  PNF inhibits the muscle either through activation of GTO. 

Goals of PNF

1. PNF  helps to increase strength, flexibility, coordination, and functional mobility.
2. The main goal of PNF treatment is to facilitate the patient in achieving a movement or posture.
3. PNF improves ADL’s functional mobility and athletic performance
4. PNF is mainly used in orthopedic rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries and neurological rehabilitation.
5. PNF can be used for any condition, however, the patient’s condition level may require modification.

How Can it Benefit you?

This article also explaine about  PNF stretching benefits listed below,

• Increases ROM: Current evidence shows that the four theoretical mechanisms that effectively increase the range are autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, stress relaxation, and gate control theory. This effect of PNF is visible regardless of  genders and age groups .
• Enhance muscle flexibility: There are studies which says that PNF help to enhance flexibility .Best useful for hamstring and calf .
• Enhance muscle strength: Muscular strenght can boost by PNF stretch when performed before less strenuous exercises( activity required more energy ).Best effective in tissue damage or received invasive surgeries.
• Increased muscle length: In stretch technique ,when the muscle is stretched beyond its active ROM and told to give resist .Slowly lead to increase in muscle and tendon length which ultimate results in production of  greater amount of force because of the length-tension relationship.
• Enhance functional movements: The study shows that even in untrained individual can lead to enhancement of functional movement. 

Technique of PNF

The basic principle of PNF includes these variables such as,

1. Resistance
2. Irradiation and reinforcement
3. Manual contact
4. Stretch
5. Verbal commands
6. Traction and approximation
7. Timing
8. Body positioning and body mechanics

The proper way to perform PNF  with  certain steps .These steps are as follows,

1. Pattern of facilitation
   • Mass movement patterns are used as the basis upon which all techniques of PNF are superimposed.
   • The patterns of movement USED IN PNF  are spiral and diagonal and they are closely allied to those of normal functional movement.
   • This movement can be observed every day, for example, at work, during sports activities
   • During PNF, the Components of movement are;
     1. Flexion /Extension
     2. Abduction /Adduction
     3. Rotatory
2. Manual contact

   Manual contact should be purposeful, directional, and comfortable. 

3. Stretch Effects
   • Stimulates the activity of muscle spindle
   • Any contraction of muscle on stretch will result in movement
4. Traction

   Traction is the elongation of trunks or extremities.

   Effects
   • Joint separation stimulates joint receptors.
   • It stimulates muscle spindle stretch receptors.
   • It facilitates alpha motor neurons.
   • It facilitates strength
5. Approximation uses
   • Promote stabilization
   • Facilitate weight bearing and contraction of postural muscle
   • To resist some component of motion.Example – use of approximation at end of shoulder flexion to resist scapula elevation.
6. Commands
   • Louder command – stronger muscle contraction
   • Softer and calmer tone – relaxation and relief of pain
7. Maximal resistance

   Opposing force to the patient’s movement is called maximal resistance

   Uses
   • Facilitate the ability of muscles to contract
   • Increases motor control and increase strength
   • Help the patient gain awareness of motion
8. Reinforcement

   Reinforcement means ” to strengthen by fresh addition, making stronger “