The effect of adding Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) training on quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength in cerebral palsy athletes

Authors

  • Abdullah Al Hazmy Universitas Airlangga https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6943-6082
  • Imam Subadi Universitas Airlangga
  • Andriati Andriati Universitas Airlangga
  • Diah Indriani Universitas Airlangga
  • Retno Setianing Prof. Dr. R. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital
  • Suryo Saputra Perdana Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
  • Rima Ferdianto National Paralympic Committee of Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.110094

Keywords:

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, cerebral palsy athletes, muscle strength, quadriceps, hamstring

Abstract

Introduction: Athletes with CP were more prone to limb injuries. Stretching had long been considered beneficial for improving muscle performance and reducing the risk of injury. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation was a technique used to enhance muscle elasticity and increase peak torque and muscle strength.

Objective: To analyze the effect of adding Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercises on quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength in cerebral palsy athletes.

Methodology: The study was conducted at the NPC Indonesia Training Center. The subjects consisted of 24 athletes diagnosed with cerebral palsy, aged 18-40 years, who underwent intervention three times per week for four weeks on both limbs. The subjects were divided into two groups: 12 individuals in the treatment group received a resistance training program with additional Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercises, and 12 in the control group underwent resistance training only.

Results: There was a significant increase in muscle strength in the treatment group for the dominant quadriceps (p=0.043), non-dominant quadriceps (p=0.001), dominant hamstring (p=0.002), and non-dominant hamstring (p=0.008). In the control group, significant increases were observed in the dominant hamstring (p=0.024) and non-dominant hamstring (p=0.013), but not in the dominant quadriceps (p=0.530) or non-dominant quadriceps (p=0.420). Compared to the control group, a significant difference was found in non-dominant quadriceps strength (p=0.020), but no differences were observed in dominant quadriceps strength (p=0.396) or hamstring strength (p=0.271, p=0.204). Conclusions: The addition of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation exercises significantly increased quadriceps and hamstring strength in cerebral palsy athletes compared to those without it.

Author Biographies

  • Abdullah Al Hazmy, Universitas Airlangga

    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga

  • Imam Subadi, Universitas Airlangga

    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga

  • Andriati Andriati, Universitas Airlangga

    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga

  • Diah Indriani, Universitas Airlangga

    Department of Biostatistics and Population, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga

  • Retno Setianing, Prof. Dr. R. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital

    Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Prof. Dr. R. Soeharso Orthopaedic Hospital

  • Suryo Saputra Perdana, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

    Department of Physiotherapy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta

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Published

01-02-2025

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Al Hazmy, A., Subadi, I., Andriati, A., Indriani, D., Setianing, R., Saputra Perdana, S., & Ferdianto, R. (2025). The effect of adding Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) training on quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength in cerebral palsy athletes. Retos, 63, 317-325. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.110094