The Effects of Self-induced and Therapist-assisted Lower-limb PNF Pattern Training on the Activation of Contralateral Muscles

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of therapist-assisted and self-induced lower-limb PNF pattern training on the activation of contralateral muscles, with the objective of discovering whether self-led PNF pattern training can be effective.[Subjects] Six male and 15 female students participated in the experiment; after being introduced to the methods, they voluntarily signed a consent form.[Method] Members of the self-led treadmill exercise group went through three sets of extension, abduction, and internal rotation-the lower-limb pattern of PNF training-according to a researcher's spoken instructions. The other group went through three sets of the same exercises, receiving direct resistance training from a therapist. A surface EMG was used for measurement, and the average values of three measurements were used for both groups. [Result] In the treadmill group, muscular activation of the opposite-side lower limbs showed a significant difference. There were also changes in muscular activation in the PNF pattern group conducted by a therapist. It was found that muscular activation of the gastrocnemius was higher in the group that received training from a therapist, while semitendinosus activation was higher in the self-led treadmill group. [Conclusion] In conclusion, these findings suggest that PNF training on a treadmill can be effective in promoting muscular activation of the contralateral semitendinosus, while therapist-led PNF training promotes muscular activation of the gastrocnemius. Overall, lower-limb PNF pattern training of one side of the body can be an effective treatment method for promoting muscular activation of the opposite side.

Activation of the gluteus medius according to load during horizontal hip abduction in a one-leg stance

“…Lee et al applied a vertical load to the lower extremities during the swing phase of the gait and investigated how activation of the gluteus medius changes during the stance phase 21 ) . In addition, application of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation pattern to the lower extremities on a single side of the body could provide an effective treatment for improving muscle activation 22 ) . We could increase muscle activation of a lower extremity by increasing the moment arm with a load on an upper extremity for individuals in which application of the load directly to the lower extremity is not possible.…”