Synergistic Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation and Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Patients with Mastectomy-Related Lymphedema.

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) are potential therapeutic strategies to reduce mastectomy-induced edema. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the combination of these therapies would induce synergistic effects to treat lymphedema-related complications and to analyze a possible physiological mechanism involved in the observed effects. A total of 55 patients diagnosed with mastectomy-induced lymphedema were recruited and randomized into three experimental groups: PNF group ( = 17), MLD group ( = 20), and PNF + MLD group ( = 18).

The effects of exercise using PNF in patients with a supraspinatus muscle tear.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques and simple exercise on subjective pain reduction and blood flow velocity in supraspinatus tear patients and to evaluate muscle recovery. [Subjects and Methods] The 20 subjects of this study were diagnosed with supraspinatus tears by MRI. The subjects have performed PNF techniques and Simple exercise for 12 weeks.

The Effect of a PNF Technique Program after Mastectomy on Lymphedema Patients' Depression and Anxiety.

[Purpose] This study was conducted to examine the effects of exercises applied with PNF techniques performed for 30 minutes per session, three times per week, after receipt of radiation therapy following mastectomy on depression and anxiety in patients diagnosed with lymphedema and to prepare basic data for creation of self-directed exercise programs for lymphedema patients that will enable them to perform exercises within the range of no pain. [Methods] The subjects of this study were 45 patients selected from among those diagnosed with breast cancer who showed lymphedema after anti-cancer therapy following mastectomy. [Results] The Beck depression score changed significantly during the five assessment periods however, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups.

The Effects of PNF Techniques on Lymphoma in the Upper Limbs.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study were to identify whether painless dynamic PNF techniques can reduce lymphedema, and to provide basic reference data for use in the treatment of lymphedema patients. [Subjects] This experiment was conducted from March 2012 to July 2012 at Busan University Hospital D. The subjects were upper extremity lymphedema patients who were receiving rehabilitation treatment.