The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Training

Although various methods have been emphasized in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP), one of the treatments with the highest level of evidence is tailor-made exercises. Exercises to improve lumbopelvic region muscle performance and proprioception have been reported to be effective in alleviating clinical symptoms in individuals with CLBP. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques are frequently used in the treatment of CLBP. PNF techniques reduce the load on vertebral bodies when performed in supine, side-lying, and sitting positions. It has been reported that performing a PNF trunk pattern in a sitting position is effective for treating CLBP and it improves muscle endurance, flexibility, and functional performance. PNF lower extremity pattern training in a supine position is effective for abdominal muscle activation. There is also an improvement in pain, functional disability, and fear-avoidance belief by applying the PNF coordination pattern in a standing position. While the diaphragm effect was emphasized in individuals with CLBP, no studies examining the effect of PNF techniques used on CLBP treatment on diaphragm muscle thickness were found. In addition, studies investigating the effect of PNF techniques on pain, functional disability index, range of motion and waist muscle endurance were found to be insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PNF techniques on related variables in individuals with CLBP.