ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine | Printer Friendly 11/02/11 1:58 AM

The Truth About PNF Techniques

Vol. 15 •Issue 26 • Page 40

The Truth About PNF Techniques
Proprioceptive neuromuscular rehabilitation is more than just stretching and functional movement
By James R. Scifers, DScPT, SCS, LAT, ATC
Mention proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and most clinicians think of stretching or
functional movement patterns. While it is true that PNF focuses on stretching and functional
movement, it is also much more. PNF techniques help develop muscular strength and endurance,
joint stability, mobility, neuromuscular control and coordination–all of which are aimed at improving
the overall functional ability of patients.
Developed in the 1940s, PNF techniques are the result of work by Kabat, Knott and Voss. 1-3 They
combined their analysis of functional movement with theories from motor development, motor
control, motor learning and neurophysiology.1
To that end, PNF techniques have broad applications in treating people with neurologic and
musculoskeletal conditions, most frequently in rehabilitating the knee, shoulder, hip and ankle.4
Stretching Techniques
Stretching is a main component of PNF. In fact, PNF stretching is superior to other stretching
techniques.5-7
Neuromuscular inhibition procedures reflexively relax the contractile components of shortened
muscles so patients can gain range of movement. Various techniques are used, among them:
Hold-Relax. Familiar to most clinicians, this technique involves lengthening a tight muscle and
asking the patient to isometrically contract it for several seconds.
As the patient relaxes, the clinician lengthens the involved muscle further and holds the stretch at
the newfound end-range of motion. This technique relies on the firing of the Golgi-tendon organ
(GTO) to cause reflexive muscle relaxation. It's easily applied and can be incorporated in home
exercise and preventive programs.
But while activating the GTO can increase flexibility, it also may predispose the patient to injury.
Specifically, PNF stretching can decrease activity of selected hamstring muscles. A sudden
stretch, which might occur during functional activity, may predispose patients to increased risk of
musculotendinous injury, if PNF stretching is applied directly before activity. 8
Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction. This technique follows the same procedure as the Hold-
Relax technique. However, after the tight muscle is contracted isometrically against the clinician's
resistance, the patient concentrically contracts the muscle opposite the tight muscle to actively
move the joint through the increased range. 1 The clinician then applies a static stretch at the end
of this new range of motion and repeats the process several times.
Agonist Contraction. With this stretch, the clinician passively lengthens the tight muscle (the
antagonist) to its end-range. The patient then concentrically contracts the muscle opposite the
tight muscle (the agonist) to move the joint to a new position in the range of motion. 1 The clinician
applies mild resistance during this contraction, being careful to allow for movement through the
range of motion. This technique uses reciprocal inhibition to encourage the tight muscle to relax
and lengthen during agonist muscle contraction.
Of the three techniques, the Hold-Relax is the most frequently used. 4 But over the last decade,
the Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction has gained popularity.4 Research indicates that sub-

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Content/PrintFriendly.aspx?CC=157228 Page 1 of 3
ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine | Printer Friendly 11/02/11 1:58 AM

the Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction has gained popularity. Research indicates that sub-
maximal contractions that are progressive in intensity over the course of a rehab program increase
flexibility.9 For the best results, clinicians should use PNF stretching early in the rehabilitation
program and gradually increase the intensity of the contractions throughout the rehab process.
While clinicians know the difference between the three techniques, they often intermix
terminology. For example, many clinicians and authors refer to Hold-Relax stretching as Contract-
Relax stretching. Some even incorporate a concentric contraction of the tight muscle against
minimal resistance before applying a second stretch.
This procedure, however, is incorrect and doesn't allow for maximum gains in flexibility; any firing
of the GTO is negated by the time the person moves the extremity back to the starting point of the
concentric contraction.
Strengthening Techniques
Along with stretching, PNF strengthens the body through diagonal patterns, often referred to as D1
and D2 patterns. It also applies sensory cues, specifically proprioceptive, cutaneous, visual and
auditory feedback, to improve muscular response. 1 The diagonal movements associated with PNF
involve multiple joints through various planes of motion. These patterns incorporate rotational
movements of the extremities, but also require core stability if patients are to successfully
complete the motions.
Two pairs of diagonal patterns exist. 10 These patterns can be performed in flexion or extension
and are often referred to as D1 flexion, D1 extension, D2 flexion or D2 extension techniques for
the upper or lower extremity. 1 Although patients can perform these patterns with many forms of
resistance, the interaction between patient and clinician is key to the early success of PNF
strengthening. 1
This interaction requires manual resistance throughout the range of motion through carefully
positioned hand placement and appropriately choreographed resistance. By placing the hands
over the agonist muscles, the clinician applies resistance to the appropriate muscle group, while
guiding the patient through the proper range of movement. 1
In using manual resistance, the clinician can make minor adjustments as the patient's coordination
improves or fatigue occurs during the rehab session. In general, the amount of resistance applied
is the maximum amount that allows for smooth, controlled, pain-free movement throughout the
range of motion. 10 In addition to manual resistance strengthening, PNF diagonal patterns enhance
proper sequencing of muscular contraction, from distal to proximal. This promotes neuromuscular
control and coordination.1
To enhance coordination, movement and stability, clinicians use numerous techniques during PNF
exercises, among them:
Rhythmic stabilization. This technique, which incorporates passive movement of the joint
through the desired range of motion, is a teaching tool to re-educate the neuromuscular system to
initiate the desired movement. The technique begins with the clinician passively moving the
extremity through the desired movement pattern at the desired speed several times. It then
progresses to promote active assistive or active movement, with resistance, through the same
pattern to help the patient improve coordination and control.
Slow reversal. This technique involves a dynamic concentric contraction of the stronger agonist
muscle group. A second dynamic concentric contraction immediately follows, this time involving
the weaker antagonist muscle group. 1 Rest periods don't occur between contractions. Therefore,
this technique promotes the rapid, reciprocal activities the agonist and antagonist muscle groups
need for many functional activities.
Slow reversal hold. This technique adds an isometric contraction (hold) at the end-range of each
muscle group. It's especially beneficial in enhancing dynamic stability of the larger proximal muscle
groups.
Alternating isometrics. This technique encourages stability of postural trunk muscles and
stabilizers of the hip and shoulder girdle. With alternating isometrics, the patient "holds" his
position, while manual resistance is alternately applied in a single plane from one side of the body
to the other. No motion should occur.
Instead, the patient should maintain the starting position of the involved limb. This technique can
strengthen the trunk, a single extremity or bilateral extremities, and can be applied with the limbs
in the open- or closed-kinetic chain.

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Content/PrintFriendly.aspx?CC=157228 Page 2 of 3
ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine | Printer Friendly 11/02/11 1:58 AM

in the open- or closed-kinetic chain.

Alternating rhythmic stabilization. This technique is simply an extension of alternating
isometrics in which the involved muscle groups co-contract. Rhythmic stabilization is most
commonly performed in a closed-chain position to further enhance muscular co-contraction and
joint stability.1
With this technique, the clinician applies manual isometric resistance in a multidirectional pattern.
The clinician may apply simultaneous manual resistance in multiple directions, forcing the multiple
muscle groups to contract simultaneously to support and stabilize the extremity. This technique is
particularly beneficial in isometrically contracting the proximal joint rotators.1
PNF exercises can be applied to patients of all ages. Klein et al. found that using PNF techniques
for older adults improved range of motion, isometric strength and selected physical function
tasks.11
Additional studies have shown that PNF stretching is superior to static stretching in improving
hamstring flexibility in people 45 to 75 years of age. 12
One study compared PNF stretching to static stretching in active seniors. While static stretching
and PNF stretching yielded gains in hamstring flexibility, PNF stretching was most beneficial in
participants younger than 65. 13
Still another study demonstrated the value of PNF stretching vs. static stretching when comparing
the techniques in Special Olympic athletes. 14
Whether promoting flexibility, developing muscular strength and endurance, improving joint
stability or increasing neuromuscular control and coordination, PNF is a valuable part of every
rehabilitation program. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation encompasses all aspects of the
rehabilitation process—and can help patients with various dysfunctions achieve their goals.
References are availale at advanceweb.com/pt; click on the references tool bar.
James R. Scifers is program director for the athletic training education program at Western
Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. He is a practicing athletic trainer and board-certified
specialist in sports physical therapy.

Copyright ©2011 Merion Matters

2900 Horizon Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406 • 800-355-5627
Publishers of ADVANCE Newsmagazines
www.advanceweb.com

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Content/PrintFriendly.aspx?CC=157228 Page 3 of 3