The acute effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on cervical range of motion, strength and proprioception

Proprioception is the ability to sense the information raised from the musculoskeletal system regarding the movement and position of body part in space. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a treatment approach that develops and restores proper functioning of joints and related structure by using neurological reflexes. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute influence of PNF on cervical proprioception, range of motion (ROM) and strength in healthy population, 104 participants were randomly assigned to three groups, 1.PNF stretching, 2. PNF Patterns and 3. Control group. Cervical proprioception and ROM were measured using cervical ROM device while muscle strength measured using a myometer device. Measurements were taken before and after intervention, the intervention was done once, PNF stretching was done using contract-relax-antagonist-contract (CRAC) technique, PNF patterns were performed using Dynamic of reversals technique, the control group received only passive ROM without causing any stretch. The between the groups analysis showed significant difference only in left rotation muscles strength (p=0.006) for PNF stretching and PNF pattern over the control group, while the within group analysis showed significant difference for PNF stretching group in extension proprioception and right rotation ROM (p≤0.05). For PNF patterns group extension, right rotation, right side bending and left side bending proprioception (p≤0.05), extension and right rotation ROM (p≤0.05), right and left rotation muscles strength (p≤0.05).for the control group flexion, extension, right rotation and right side bending proprioception (p≤0.05), extension, left and right side bending ROM (p≤0.05). PNF stretching showed the least influence on all outcome measures, while the results of PNF pattern group indicating that it might be a promising technique to influence the outcome measures in this study, however, with current results and the lack of in the literature, a recommendation can not be made for the use of PNF stretching and PNF patterns to influence cervical proprioception, ROM and strength.