Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION

DEFINITION A motor learning approach used in neuromotor development training to improve motor function and facilitate maximal muscular contraction.

According to Kabat (1951) "The basis of the PNF philosophy is the idea that all human beings, including those with disabilities have untapped existing potential.

PNF BASIC PROCEDURES FOR FACILITATION

Patterns Of Motion

Normal Motor activity occurs in synergistic & functional patterns of movement. PNF technique are "spiral & diagonal" in character and combine motion in all 3 planes i.e. flexion/extension, abduction/adduction and rotation.

Extremities patterns are named according to the movement occurring at the proximal joint or by diagonal(antagonist patterns are make up the diagonal).

UPPER EXTREMITIES

D1 Flexion- Flexion,Adduction,External Rotation.

D1 Extension-Extension,Abduction,Internal rotation.(Antagonist pattern of D1 flexion).

D2 Flexion- Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation.

D2 Extension- Extension,Adduction,Internal Rotation.(Antagonist pattern of D2 flexion).

LOWER EXTREMITIES

(D1 Flexion of Lower Extremities is similar to Upper Extremities pattern).

D1 Flexion- Flexion,Adduction,External Rotation.

D1 Extension- Extension,Abduction,Internal Rotation.(Antagonist pattern of D1 flexion).

D2 Flexion- Flexion,Abduction,Internal Rotation.

D2 Extension- Extension,Adduction,External Rotation.(Antagonist pattern of D2 flexion).