Impacts of lower limb flexibility exercise on aerobic gymnastics performance / Impactos do exercício de flexibilidade para membros inferiores sobre o desempenho da ginástica aeróbica / Impactos del ejercicio de flexibilidad para los miembros inferiores en el rendimiento de la gimnasia aeróbica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aerobic gymnastics is a sport that involves a sense of beauty, rhythm and dance, with high artistic expressiveness, characteristics that have favored a strong population adherence. It is believed that the specific flexibility exercise can add a greater visual impact to their artistic movements, raising their competitive performance. Objective: Verify the impacts of lower limb flexibility exercise on the performance of aerobics athletes. Methods: Six aerobics athletes were selected to perform an 8-week experiment, adopting the PNF methodology for training. The impacts on lower limb flexibility were measured before and after the experiment, these data were analyzed and studied statistically. Results: The results of the long jump in the physical quality index of the athletes increased by 0.1209 m; the added value in the two-minute, 10-m backstroke test was 1.46. The movement performance indexes showed expressive increases: flexion increased by 2.62; right angle support increased by 0.78; split leg jump increased by 1.95; standing jump with eyes closed and the foot balance quality index was 4.63. Conclusion: Lower limb flexibility exercise can positively impact the performance of aerobic gymnastics athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A ginástica aeróbica é um esporte que envolve senso de beleza, ritmo e dança, com alta expressividade artística, características que favoreceram uma forte adesão populacional. Acredita-se que o exercício específico de flexibilidade possa adicionar um maior impacto visual aos seus movimentos artísticos, elevando o desempenho competitivo. Objetivo: Verificar os impactos do exercício de flexibilidade dos membros inferiores sobre o desempenho dos atletas de aeróbica. Métodos: Seis atletas de aeróbica foram selecionados para realizar uma experiência de 8 semanas, adotando a metodologia PNF para o treinamento. Os impactos sobre a flexibilidade dos membros inferiores foram aferidos antes e depois do experimento, esses dados foram analisados e estudados estatisticamente. Resultados: Os resultados do salto em distância no índice de qualidade física dos atletas aumentaram em 0,1209 m; o valor agregado no teste de dois minutos e 10 m de recuo foi de 1,46. Os índices de desempenho do movimento apresentaram aumentos expressivos: de flexão teve um aumento de 2,62; apoio em ângulo reto aumentou 0,78; salto de pernas divididas aumentou 1,95; salto de pé com os olhos fechados e o índice de qualidade de equilíbrio dos pés foi de 4,63. Conclusão: O exercício de flexibilidade para membros inferiores pode impactar positivamente o desempenho dos atletas de ginástica aeróbica. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La gimnasia aeróbica es un deporte que envuelve un sentido de belleza, ritmo y danza, con alta expresividad artística, características que favorecieron una fuerte adhesión de la población. Se cree que el ejercicio específico de la flexibilidad puede agregar un mayor impacto visual a sus movimientos artísticos, elevando el desempeño competitivo. Objetivo: Verificar los impactos del ejercicio de flexibilidad de los miembros inferiores en el desempeño de atletas de aeróbica. Métodos: Seis atletas de aeróbic fueron seleccionados para realizar un experimento de 8 semanas, adoptando la metodología PNF para el entrenamiento. Los impactos en la flexibilidad de los miembros inferiores fueron medidos antes y después del experimento, estos datos fueron analizados y estudiados estadísticamente. Resultados: Los resultados del salto de longitud en el índice de la calidad física de los atletas aumentaron en 0,1209 m; el valor añadido en la prueba de dos minutos y 10 m de espalda fue de 1,46. Los índices de rendimiento de movimiento mostraron aumentos expresivos: de flexión tuvo un aumento de 2,62; apoyo en ángulo recto aumentó 0,78; salto de pierna dividida aumentó 1,95; salto de pie con los ojos cerrados y el índice de calidad de equilibrio de los pies fue de 4,63. Conclusión: El ejercicio de flexibilidad de los miembros inferiores puede influir positivamente en el rendimiento de los atletas de gimnasia aeróbica. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Impacts of the pnf technique on flexibility and strength in martial arts athletes / Impactos da técnica pnf sobre flexibilidade e força em atletas de artes marciais / Impacto de la técnica pnf sobre la flexibilidad y la fuerza en atletas de artes marciales

ABSTRACT Introduction: Joint flexibility and muscle strength play a vital role in the training process of martial arts athletes. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique encourages the neural receptors, through the application of manual resistances, in the gain of functional range of motion and stability to its patients. It is believed that this technique can be adapted to the sports environment. Objective: Evaluate the impact of stretching using the PNF technique on martial arts athletes' flexibility and muscle strength. Methods: Through a controlled experiment, 100 martial arts athletes, without significant differences, were selected as experimental subjects, and randomly divided into two groups for a 4-week experiment. The experimental group added a protocol with PNF stretching exercises in the training, while the control group performed the usual training without interventions. Indicators of flexibility, functional activities, and strength were measured before and after the intervention, compared, and statistically analyzed. Results: Joint flexibility with the shoulder rotation test evolved from 21.88±5.71 to 19.22±5.94, and the left and right division was from 16.90±5.36 to 10.57±3.75; as for muscle strength, the flexor peak moment elevated from 210.36±51.18 to 251.37± 45.72, and flexor power had a gain from 111.76±30.63 to 135.20±2,.42. The extensor peak moment also showed expressive evolutions from 179.47±43.96 to 221.52±33.60. Conclusion: The PNF stretching exercise technique effectively optimizes martial arts athletes' joint flexibility and muscle strength. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A flexibilidade articular e a força muscular desempenham um papel vital no processo de treinamento dos atletas de artes marciais. A técnica de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (PNF) incentiva os receptores neurais, através da aplicação de resistências manuais, no ganho da amplitude de movimento funcional e da estabilidade aos seus pacientes. Acredita-se que essa técnica possa ser adaptada ao meio esportivo. Objetivo: Avaliar os impactos do alongamento utilizando a técnica de PNF sobre a flexibilidade e a força muscular dos atletas de artes marciais. Métodos: Através de um experimento controlado, 100 atletas de artes marciais, sem diferenças significativas, foram selecionados como objetos experimentais, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos para um experimento de 4 semanas. Ao grupo experimental foi adicionado um protocolo com exercícios de alongamento PNF no treinamento, enquanto o grupo de controle efetuou o treinamento habitual sem intervenções. Indicadores de flexibilidade, atividades funcionais e força foram aferidos antes e depois da intervenção, comparados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: A flexibilidade articular com o teste de giro do ombro evoluiu de 21,88±5,71 para 19,22±5,94, sendo a divisão esquerda e direita de 16,90±5,36 para 10,57±3,75; quanto a força muscular, o momento de pico do flexor elevou-se de 210,36±51,18 para 251,37± 45,72, e a potência do flexor teve um ganho de 111,76±30.63 para 135,20±2,.42. O momento de pico do extensor também demonstrou evoluções expressivas de 179,47±43,96 para 221,52±33,60. Conclusão: O exercício de alongamento com a técnica PNF demonstrou ser efetivo em otimizar a flexibilidade articular e a força muscular dos atletas de artes marciais. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La flexibilidad articular y la fuerza muscular desempeñan un papel vital en el proceso de entrenamiento de los atletas de artes marciales. La técnica de facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva (FNP) estimula los receptores neurales, a través de la aplicación de resistencias manuales, en la ganancia de rango funcional de movimiento y estabilidad a sus pacientes. Se cree que esta técnica puede adaptarse al ámbito deportivo. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los estiramientos con la técnica PNF en la flexibilidad y fuerza muscular de atletas de artes marciales. Métodos: A través de un experimento controlado, 100 atletas de artes marciales, sin diferencias significativas, fueron seleccionados como sujetos experimentales, divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos para un experimento de 4 semanas. Al grupo experimental se le añadió un protocolo con ejercicios de estiramiento PNF en el entrenamiento, mientras que el grupo de control realizó el entrenamiento habitual sin intervenciones. Se midieron indicadores de flexibilidad, actividades funcionales y fuerza antes y después de la intervención, se compararon y se analizaron estadísticamente. Resultados: La flexibilidad articular con la prueba de rotación del hombro evolucionó de 21,88±5,71 a 19,22±5,94, siendo la división izquierda y derecha de 16,90±5,36 a 10,57±3,75; en cuanto a la fuerza muscular, el momento pico flexor se elevó de 210,36±51,18 a 251,37± 45,72, y la potencia flexora tuvo una ganancia de 111,76±30,63 a 135,20±2,, 42. El momento máximo del extensor también mostró evoluciones expresivas de 179,47±43,96 a 221,52±33,60. Conclusión: El ejercicio de estiramiento con técnica PNF demostró ser eficaz para optimizar la flexibilidad articular y la fuerza muscular de los atletas de artes marciales. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Impacts of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on flexibility in chinese boxing athletes / Impactos da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva na flexibilidade dos atletas de boxe chinês / Impactos de la facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva en la flexibilidad de los atletas de boxeo chino

ABSTRACT Introduction: Flexibility is one of the essential physical qualities of athletes and Chinese boxing. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching is an effective method to improve flexibility. This method is widely used in various sports. Objective: Analyze the practical effects of stretching by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on Chinese boxing athletes. Methods: This work selected 12 male athletes as research subjects. The athletes were randomly divided into two groups. Flexibility in one group of athletes trained with PNF stretching. Another group of athletes underwent regular training. Mathematical statistics were used to process the flexibility data of the two groups. Results: There were significant differences in the maximum linear velocity in the ankle joint and in the maximum linear velocity in the knee joint between the athletes after training with the experimental stretching (P<0.05). Conclusion: This paper concludes that the application of stretching method with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation can improve the flexibility of athletes. The research results of this paper provide background for flexibility training in competition and teaching. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A flexibilidade é uma das qualidades físicas essenciais dos atletas e boxe chinês. O alongamento por facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva é um método eficaz para melhorar a flexibilidade. Este método é amplamente utilizado em vários esportes. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos práticos do alongamento pela facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva sobre os atletas de boxe chinês. Métodos: Este trabalho seleciona 12 atletas masculinos como objetos de pesquisa. Os atletas foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Flexibilidade em um grupo de atletas treinados com o alongamento PNF. Outro grupo de atletas foi submetido a treinamento regular. Foram utilizadas estatísticas matemáticas para processar os dados de flexibilidade dos dois grupos. Resultados: Houve diferenças significativas na velocidade linear máxima da articulação do tornozelo e na velocidade linear máxima na articulação do joelho entre os atletas após o treinamento com o alongamento experimental (P<0,05). Conclusão: Este artigo conclui que a aplicação do método de alongamento com facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva pode melhorar a flexibilidade dos atletas. Os resultados da pesquisa deste trabalho fornecem embasamento para o treinamento de flexibilidade em competições e ensino. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La flexibilidad es una de las cualidades físicas esenciales de los atletas y del boxeo chino. Los estiramientos de facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva son un método eficaz para mejorar la flexibilidad. Este método se utiliza ampliamente en varios deportes. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos prácticos de los estiramientos mediante facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva en atletas de boxeo chino. Métodos: En este trabajo se seleccionaron 12 atletas masculinos como sujetos de investigación. Los atletas fueron divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos. Flexibilidad en un grupo de atletas entrenados con estiramientos PNF. Otro grupo de atletas fue sometido a un entrenamiento regular. Se utilizaron estadísticas matemáticas para procesar los datos de flexibilidad de los dos grupos. Resultados: Hubo diferencias significativas en la velocidad lineal máxima de la articulación del tobillo y en la velocidad lineal máxima en la articulación de la rodilla entre los atletas después del entrenamiento con el estiramiento experimental (P<0,05). Conclusión: Este trabajo concluye que la aplicación del método de estiramiento con facilitación neuromuscular propioceptiva puede mejorar la flexibilidad de los atletas. Los resultados de la investigación de este trabajo proporcionan una base para el entrenamiento de la flexibilidad en las competiciones y la enseñanza. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Effects of PNF Training on Functional Recovery of Sports Rotator Cuff Injury / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) rehabilitation training on functional recovery of athletic rotator cuff injury. Methods Twenty-two college students with athletic rotator cuff injuries were stratified according to their gender and randomly divided into resistance band + passive joint range of motion (ROM) training group (control group) and PNF training group (experimental group). The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate subjective pain intensity of the shoulder joint. Pain positive rate for each manipulation test of rotator cuff injury was observed, and active ROM and muscle strength of the shoulder joint were measured. Improved UCLA shoulder joint score was used to evaluate comprehensive function of the shoulder joint. Results After training, VAS scores and pain positive rate in two groups were lower than those before training, and VAS scores and pain positive rate in experimental group were lower than those in control group. Muscle strength, active ROM in all directions and improved UCLA score of the shoulder joint in two groups were also higher than those before training, and the internal rotation muscle strength, the internal rotation and external rotation active ROM, improved UCLA score of the shoulder joint in experimental group were higher than those in control group. Conclusions PNF rehabilitation training can reduce the pain of athletic rotator cuff injury, improve the active ROM, muscle strength and UCLA shoulder joint score. The function recovery effect of PNF training is better than that of resistance band + passive ROM training.

Study On Effectiveness Of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Technique And Conventional Therapy In Treating The Patients With Cervical Spondylosis

Background: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) A wide range of treatment techniques and approaches from different philosophical backgrounds are utilized in Neurological Rehabilitation The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique and conventional therapy in treating the patients with Cervical Spondylosis by improving the pain and range of motion of neck. Subjects and methods: 40 cervical Spondylosis patients of both the sexes selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups A and B each of 20 persons. Group A consisting of 10 males and 10 females received PNF (Hold –relax and Contract relax) exercise for 4 weeks, 5 days/ week once in a day and Group B consisting of 11males and 9 females received conventional therapy for 4 weeks, 5 days/ week once in a day. Variables are measured pre intervention and post intervention after 4 weeks. To evaluate changes in pain, a shortened version of the McGill Questionnaire was used, Range of motion is measured. Result: Group A shows more significant improvement in all variables (Pain, ROM) in cervical spondylosis subjects than Group B. Conclusion: Analysis of the results confirmed that both PNF and conventional therapy had a statistically significant impact on reducing pain and improving the range of motion of neck in subjects suffering from spondylosis, but PNF method proved to be more effective than conventional therapy and McGill score of PNF applied group were more significant.

Electroacupuncture combined with PNF on proprioception and motor function of lower limbs in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy and correlation of electroacupuncture combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on proprioception and motor function of lower limbs in stroke patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 96 stroke patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture (EA) group, a PNF group and a combination group, 32 cases in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at cephalic motor and sensory areas, Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on affected side, and electroacupuncture was adopted at Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Xuanzhong (GB 39), continuous wave and 2 Hz in frequency for 20 min, once every day. In the PNF group, PNF was performed for 20 min, once a day. In the combination group, electroacupuncture was given before PNF, once a day. 4 weeks as one course and totally 3 courses were required, the effect was followed up after half a year. Before treatment, after 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the average trace error (ATE) and Time, the scores of Fugl-Meyer scale (FMA) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were observed in the 3 groups. Correlation analysis between ATE, Time and FMA was performed.@*RESULTS@#① The total effective rate in the combination group was 90.3% (28/31), which was superior to 64.5% (20/31) in the EA group and 62.5% (20/32) in the PNF group (<0.05). ②After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE and Time in the 3 groups were reduced compared with before treatment (<0.05, <0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the Time in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). ③After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the EA group and the combination group were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the PNF group were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). ④After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the 3 groups were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group (<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the PNF group (<0.01). ⑤ The correlation coefficients of ATE, Time and FMA were from 0.4 to 0.75 (<0.05), suggesting a moderate intensity correlation.@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture, PNF and combination therapy can improve proprioception and motor function of lower limbs and activities of daily living, and combination therapy has a better effect. Proprioception and motor function have a strong correlation in the recovery of stroke patients.

Dynamic scalp acupuncture combined with PNF therapy for upper limb motor impairment in ischemic stroke spastic hemiplegia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>On the basic therapy, to assess the clinical effects of dynamic scalp acupuncture, scalp acupuncture combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) therapy and simple PNF therapy for upper limb motor impairment in ischemic post-stroke spastic hemiplegia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 90 cases were randomly assigned into a PNF group, a dynamic scalp acupuncture group and a scalp acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. Basic therapy and PNF therapy were applied in the three groups. PNF therapy was used during scalp acupuncture in the dynamic scalp acupuncture group. PNF therapy was applied after scalp acupuncture in the scalp acupuncture group. The points were the upper 1/5 and middle 2/5 of (MS 6) and (MS 7) at the lesion side, the hemiparalysis contralateral side. The treatment was given for 6 months, once a day and 1 month as a course. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA) and Barthel index (BI) were observed before treatment and 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The MAS 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were improved compared with those before treatment in the three groups ( all <0.05), and the MAS results in the dynamic scalp acupuncture group were better than those in the PNF and scalp acupuncture group (all <0.05). The FMA and BI scores 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were higher than those before treatment (all <0.05). The FMA Scores in the 3 time points and after treatment in the dynamic scalp acupuncture group were higher than those in the other two groups (all <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PNF therapy during scalp acupuncture can relieve the spasmodic condition of patients with upper limb motor impairment in ischemic post-stroke spasmodic hemiplegia, and improve the limb function and life activity, which is better than PNF therapy after scalp acupuncture and simple PNF therapy.</p>

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Acupuncture on Intractable Facial Paralysis / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and acupuncture on intractable facial paralysis. Methods 60 cases with intractable facial paralysis were divided into the acupuncture group and PNF and acupuncture group ( 30 cases respectively). They were assessed with the Portmann's Simple Scale after treatment. Results The score of the Portmann's Simple Scale in PNF and acupuncture group was higher than that in the acupuncture group (P<0.05).Conclusion PNF is synergistic to the effect of acupuncture on intractable facial paralysis.

Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on reaching ability of stroke patients in standing / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) technique on reaching ability of stroke patients in standing.MethodsThere were 9 stroke patients during recovery stage in the treatment group by using PNF technique for 3 months. The control group, other 9 stroke patients during recovery stage, received the general techniques for 3 months.ResultsReaching ability of stroke patients in standing in treatment group were significantly better than that of the control group(P<0.05-0.01).ConclusionThe reaching ability of stroke patients could be improved by PNF technique.