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Journal of Novel Physiotherapies Bastos et al., J Nov Physiother 2018, 8:2
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7025.1000e150

Editorial Open Access

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation: A Physiotherapeutic Concept

with Excellent Clinical Results but Little Explored in its Potential in
Scientific Research
Victor Hugo Bastos1*, Silmar Teixeira2, Carla Ayres2, Marco Orsini3, Nélio Silva de Souza4 and Pedro Ribeiro5
1Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, Brazil
2Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory (LAMPLACE/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba, Brazil
3Applied Health Sciences, USS Vassouras, Rehabilitation-UNISUAM - RJ, Brazil
4Physical Therapy of University Center Serra dos Órgãos (UNIFESO), Doctoral student in neurosciences by the Federal Fluminense University (UFF), PT, Niteroi, RJ,
Brazil
5Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Brazil
*Corresponding author: Victor Hugo Bastos, Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Federal University of Piauí, 13010, Brazil, Tel: +
308-865-8441, E-mail: victorhugobastos@ufpi.edu.br
Received date: March 14, 2018; Accepted date: March 15, 2018; Published date: March 19, 2018
Copyright: © 2018 Bastos VH, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Editorial Unfortunately, much should be investigated to be the same certainty

that physiotherapists observe in the clinical aspect. We also observed
The purpose of this editorial is to have fellow physiotherapists studies such as Medeiros and Martini that in 2017 [8] verified the
reflect on their clinical practice using the concept of proprioceptive efficacy of PNF as an alternative to treat flexibility in an excellent
neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and what the same colleagues have systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies such as this should be
researched about this concept. In this sense, we observe that encouraged in the scientific community because of their high degree of
physiotherapy has been growing in the current world in a relevant way, scientific evidence. Great studies have frequently verified the efficacy of
coming from times with few scientific explanations for a strong the PNF concept in patients with stroke sequels [9].
evidence area and excellent articles grounding their actions [1]. It
involves a large number of resources, concepts, techniques to treat In general, we believe that we are on a promising path with
various diseases and functional limitations but still has to mature in its physiotherapy as a whole, including PNF studies. The possible cause of
scientific bases in several areas. In neurological dysfunctions, the a few more elaborate publications with this concept is perhaps the cost
concepts with the most clinical results for the patients need of of its formation. This statement may scare some physiotherapists but it
maturation. seems understandable that when paying for training, the professional
wants to put it into practice as soon as possible. In doing, so he realizes
The PNF concept created in the 1940s by Dr. Herman Kabat and its effectiveness and continues with his treatments not having time to
significantly improved by the physiotherapist Maggie Knott is a typical write about his cases or even devote himself to more complex studies.
example of this need for growth. It is enough to observe that only in The same seems to be the case with fellow instructors who, while
the decade of the 1990s; PNF instructors founded the international engaged in clinical practice and training, are unable to stop and
PNF association (IPNFA) [2]. The instructors have always go through publish their findings in scientific journals. What is relevant is that
very rigorous training and refinements, but only after IPNFA did the physiotherapy as a whole is in good hands around the world and has
general structure of training in this concept become more organized been raising its name as an area of science.
and structured. Citing names of excellent instructors throughout the
world would be challenging as everyone is very well trained to pass the
details of all PNF maneuvers. In their specific PNF congresses around
References
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It is important to note that the PNF concept was initially created for
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J Nov Physiother, an open access journal Volume 8 • Issue 2 • 1000e150

ISSN:2165-7025
Citation: Bastos VH, Teixeira S, Ayres C, Orsini M, de Souza NS, et al. (2018) Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation: A Physiotherapeutic
Concept with Excellent Clinical Results but Little Explored in its Potential in Scientific Research. J Nov Physiother 8: e150. doi:
10.4172/2165-7025.1000e150

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application of cryotherapy or ultrasound therapy. J Phys Ther Sci 27: stroke. J Phys Ther Sci 29: 2018-2021.
1549-1553.

J Nov Physiother, an open access journal Volume 8 • Issue 2 • 1000e150

ISSN:2165-7025