PNF Method for Those Working in Special Education

Acute Effect of Self-PNF Stretching on Chest Mobility, Posterior Muscle Chain Mobility and Respiratory Functions in Caregivers of Children With Developmental Delays

The aim of the study was to examine the acute effect of self-proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on chest mobility, posterior muscle chain mobility and respiratory functions in caregivers of children with developmental delays. In the study: 1. Does self-PNF stretching have an effect on chest mobility and posterior muscle chain mobility in caregivers of children with developmental delay? 2. Does self-PNF stretching have an effect on respiratory functions in caregivers of children with developmental delays? The questions were answered.

A cross-over randomized controlled study was designed with 30 caregivers of children with developmental disabilities. Using the online randomization method, caregivers were first assigned to either the PNF stretching group or the static stretching group. Before and after the application, rib cage mobility was evaluated by chest circumference measurement, hamstring muscle mobility by popliteal angle measurement, lumbar region mobility by Schober Test, posterior muscle chain mobility by Finger-Floor Distance Measurement Test, and respiratory functions by Respiratory Function Test. The caregiver, who entered a 1-day cleansing period, repeated the evaluation and technique application with the stretching technique that was not applied the next day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the study
• No history of infection or flare in the previous 4 weeks
• Participants who have not been included in another clinical trial in the last month
• Those whose knee flexion angle is 15 degrees and above in the hamstring muscle shortness test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Vestibular disorders, participants with known balance impairment within the past three months due to concussion
• Those with musculoskeletal system problems in their lower extremities
• Those who had lower extremity and thorax surgery in the last year
• Those with metabolic diseases