%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluation of Strength and Irradiated Movement Pattern Resulting from Trunk Motions of the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
%A Luciana Bahia Gontijo
%A Polianna Delfino Pereira
%A Camila Danielle Cunha Neves
%A Ana Paula Santos
%A Dionis de Castro Dutra Machado
%A Victor Hugo do Vale Bastos
%J Rehabilitation Research and Practice
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/281937
%X Introduction. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a physiotherapeutic concept based on muscle and joint proprioceptive stimulation. Among its principles, the irradiation is the reaction of the distinct regional muscle contractions to the position of the application of the motions. Objective. To investigate the presence of irradiated dorsiflexion and plantar flexion and the existing strength generated by them during application of PNF trunk motions. Methods. The study was conducted with 30 sedentary and female volunteers, the PNF motions of trunk flexion, and extension with the foot (right and left) positioned in a developed equipment coupled to the load cell, which measured the strength irradiated in Newton. Results. Most of the volunteers irradiated dorsal flexion in the performance of the flexion and plantar flexion during the extension motion, both presenting an average force of 8.942£¿N and 10.193£¿N, respectively. Conclusion. The distal irradiation in lower limbs became evident, reinforcing the therapeutic actions to the PNF indirect muscular activation. 1. Introduction Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a concept of treatment [1] in which the basic philosophy considers that every human, including those with disabilities, has an untapped existing potential [2]. PNF is a method used in clinical practice [3] in order to improve development of neuromuscular system by stimulation of muscle and joint proprioceptors [4]. Some concepts characterize the philosophy under the technique: integrated approach (i.e., treatment is directed toward the human as a whole and not only as a body segment), based on an untapped existing potential (mobilizing reserves patients), positive approach (reinforcing patient¡¯s ability on a physical and psychological level) whose goal is reaching the level of function from this patient through the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model. Among the PNF¡¯s principles, irradiation is a useful aspect for patients with muscle weakness in areas that cannot be directly worked (strengthened) [5]. This principle is based on fact that stimulation of strong and preserved muscle groups produces strong activation of injured and weak muscles, facilitating muscle contraction [6]. So, these weak muscles can develop an increase in the duration and/or intensity by the spread of the response to stimulation or by the synergistic muscle inhibition [7]. Some studies have investigated the presence of irradiation [3, 7¨C9], but type of muscle (agonist or antagonist) which receives irradiation is not
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/rerp/2012/281937/