What does PNF stand for?
- Proprioception
- Neuromuscular
- Facilitation
This technique targets specific muscle groups, increases flexibility, ROM, and improves muscle strength.
List the importance of proprioception.
- Plans precise and coordinated movements
- Maintains balance and controls posture
- Influences motor learning and re-education
Proprioception is crucial for effective movement and injury prevention.
What are the mechanical principles for stretching?
- Connective tissue deformation varies with loading magnitude and rate
- Permanent changes require breaking collagen bonds
- Tissue failure begins as microfailure before complete failure
- Tissue failure can occur from one time or repetitive stress
Example: sprained ankle.
Two key points about PNF?
- Use new ROM to train the muscle into its new range
- Remodeling allows tissue to respond to repetitive stress if there’s time in between
This increases flexibility and tensile strength of tissue.
What are the mechanical and physiological properties of muscle tissues?
- Composed of contractile and noncontractile tissue
- Noncontractile tissue resists deforming forces
Both types of tissue play roles in muscle function.
What connective tissues surround muscle fibers?
- Endomysium
- Perimysium
- Epimysium
Epimysium is the primary source of muscle resistance to stretching.
What happens during passive stretch?
- Mechanical disruption causes cross bridges to slide apart
- Lengthens the sarcomere
Stretch should last 20-30 seconds.
What is the myotatic stretch reflex?
- Prevents a muscle from stretching too far too fast
- Involves muscle spindles monitoring muscle tone
This reflex helps prevent joint injury.
What is the inverse stretch reflex?
- Mediated by golgi tendon organs
- Causes muscle relaxation when stimulated
Protects muscle from overstretching.
What is strain sensed by?
- Golgi tendon organs
They monitor the amount of strain on the tendon.
Define static stretching.
Done without movement
It is a common technique used to improve flexibility.
List six reasons to stretch.
- Increase ROM
- Create balance in strength and weakness
- Overall fitness
- Reduce trigger points or pain
- Increase flexibility and prevent injuries
- Muscle recover faster
Stretching is essential for physical health.
How long should stretches be held for individuals aged 65+?
45-60 seconds
Different age groups have varying stretch duration recommendations.
What are some contraindications for stretching?
- Bony block
- Recent fracture
- Acute rheumatoid arthritis
- Pain
- Hypermobility
These conditions may worsen with stretching.
What do muscles need to function well? List the four needs.
- Extensibility
- Elasticity
- Contractility
- Excitability
These properties are essential for muscle performance.
What causes muscle imbalances?
- Repetitive movements
- Alignment issues
- Injury
- Inflammation
- Imbalanced workout routine
These factors can lead to compensatory patterns and injuries.
What is reciprocal inhibition?
- Neuromuscular process mediated by CNS
- One muscle activates while the other relaxes
It optimizes joint function and reduces injury risk.
How is hold relax performed?
- Move muscle into lengthened position and hold for 20-30 seconds
- Client performs isometric contraction for 6 seconds
- Client relaxes and is moved into new end range for 10 seconds
- Repeat three times
- Hold final stretch for 30 seconds
This technique enhances flexibility.
What is the difference between postural and phasic muscles?
- Postural: Higher proportion of slow twitch fibers, fatigue slowly
- Phasic: Higher proportion of fast twitch fibers, fatigue quickly
Postural muscles respond to stress by shortening, while phasic muscles weaken with disuse.
List the postural muscles of the upper body.
- QL
- Erector spinae
- Multifidi
- Rotators
- Diaphragm
- Intercostals
- Pec major
- Upper trap
- Lec scap
- SCM
- Wrist and elbow flexors
These muscles help maintain posture.
What are the stages of healing?
- Acute: 0-7 days
- Subacute: 7-21 days
- Chronic: 3 weeks-12 months
Each stage has distinct characteristics and treatment goals.
What are the characteristics of the acute stage of healing?
- Vascular changes
- Fluid accumulation
- Clot formation
- Phagocytosis
- Early fibroblastic activity
Clinical signs include inflammation, pain before tissue resistance, heat, and loss of function.
What is the treatment goal during the subacute stage of healing?
- Manage pain
- Support sleep
- Manage edema
- Support rehabilitative activity
Treatment varies between early and late subacute phases.
What happens during the chronic stage of healing?
- Maturation and remodeling of scar tissue
- Gradual return of strength and function
- Absence of inflammation
Treatment focuses on supporting rehabilitation and managing adhesions.
