Comparison of Two Different Applications of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques to Increase Upper-Extremity Muscle Strength

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study to investigate the efficacy of bilateral symmetrical proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns in increasing the muscle strength in the upper extremity by comparing their combination with elastic resistance band (ERB) use versus physiotherapist-administered programs. Methods: Participants were randomly divided into two groups (PNF, elastic resistance band). The strength increasing exercise program was administered to the participants of both groups 3 days a week for 6 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after exercise program. The circumferences of the upper extremities and hand grip strengths were evaluated. The push-up and dip-strength tests were performed to evaluate the endurance of the arm and the shoulder girdle. Results: A total of 40 individuals in the age range from 20 to 25 years [(PNF group: +/- standard deviation (SD) =21.80 +/- 1.05 years; ERB group: +/- SD =21.40 +/- 1.66 years] were included in this study. The comparison of before and after the exercise revealed that there was a statistically significant increase in the arm and forearm circumferences of both extremities in the both groups after the training (p<0.05). The groups comparisons demonstrated that there were no statistically significant change differences in the circumferences of the arms, forearms, and the wrists of both extremities; and the number of push-ups and dip-strength repeats (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PNF patterns can be used in these two different modes of administration (with ERB and manually by the physiotherapist) to increase the muscle strength and improve endurance in the upper extremity and that none of them was superior to the other.