편마비 환자의 건측에 적용한 고유수용성 신경근 촉진법이 환측 근 긴장도에 미치는 영향

Effect of PNF Applied to the Unaffected Side on Muscle Tone of Affected Side in Patients With Hemiplegia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) approach on the spasticity of affected side in patients with hemiplegia. Three subjects with hemiplegia participated in this study. In single-subject research design (a multiple baseline across individuals) was employed in this study. The intervention program including PNF to the unaffected side was introduced for 30 minutes each day during each intervention phase. Muscle tone of affected side was measured with Tone Assessment Scale, and active hip abduction distance of affected side was taken with the subject supine. And then the muscle tone and hip abduction distance were measured again 30 minutes later following the intervention. The results showed that the PNF application had some beneficial effects on both muscle tone and active hip abduction. This result suggests that PNF application to non-paretic limb can be effective in reducing muscle tone and improving hip abduction range on paretic limb in persons with hemipligia. However, further research is needed to prove the effect of PNF application on functional improvement.