Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of therapist-assisted and self-induced lower-limb PNF pattern training on the activation of contralateral muscles, with the objective of discovering whether self-led PNF pattern training can be effective. [Subjects] Six male and 15 female students participated in the experiment; after being introduced to the methods, they voluntarily signed a consent form. [Method] Members of the self-led treadmill exercise group went through three sets of extension, abduction, and internal rotation-the lower-limb pattern of PNF training-according to a researcher’s spoken instructions. The other group went through three sets of the same exercises, receiving direct resistance training from a therapist. A surface EMG was used for measurement, and the average values of three measurements were used for both groups. [Result] In the treadmill group, muscular activation of the opposite-side lower limbs showed a significant difference. There were also changes in muscular activation in the PNF pattern group conducted by a therapist. It was found that muscular activation of the gastrocnemius was higher in the group that received training from a therapist, while semitendinosus activation was higher in the self-led treadmill group. [Conclusion] In conclusion, these findings suggest that PNF training on a treadmill can be effective in promoting muscular activation of the contralateral semitendinosus, while therapist-led PNF training promotes muscular activation of the gastrocnemius. Overall, lower-limb PNF pattern training of one side of the body can be an effective treatment method for promoting muscular activation of the opposite side.
