Author Question: Summarize the steps required for PNF stretching. ... (Read 34 times)

dakota nelson

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 604
Summarize the steps required for PNF stretching.

Question 2

Discuss the importance of adequate flexibility for older adults and how stretching exercises can help.



Edwyer

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 337
Answer to Question 1

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching is based on a contract-and-relax method and requires the assistance of another person. The procedure is as follows:
1 . The person assisting with the exercise provides initial force by pushing slowly in the direction of the desired stretch. This first stretch does not cover the entire range of motion.
2 . The person being stretched then applies force in the opposite direction of the stretch, against the assistant, who tries to hold the initial degree of stretch as close as possible. This results in an isometric contraction at the angle of the stretch. The force of the isometric contraction can be anywhere from 20 to 75 percent of the person's maximum contraction.
3 . After 3 to 6 seconds of isometric contraction, the person being stretched relaxes the target muscle or muscles completely. The assistant then increases the degree of stretch slowly to a greater angle, and for the PNF technique, the stretch is held for 10 to 30 seconds.
4 . If a greater degree of stretch is achievable, the isometric contraction is repeated for another 3 or 6 seconds, after which the degree of stretch is slowly increased again and held for 10 to 30 seconds.
5 . If a progressive degree of stretch is used, steps 1 through 4 can be repeated up to five times. Each isometric contraction is held for 3 to 6 seconds. The progressive stretches are held for about 10 secondsuntil the last trial, when the final stretched position is held for up to 30 seconds.

Answer to Question 2

Good range of motion is critical in older life. Muscle elasticity and bone strength both tend to decline as people age. Because of decreased flexibility, older adults lose mobility and may be unable to perform simple daily tasks such as bending forward or turning. Many older adults cannot turn their head or rotate their trunk to look over their shoulder but, rather, must step around 90 to 180 degrees to see behind them. Adequate flexibility is also important in driving. Individuals who lose range of motion with age are unable to look over their shoulder to switch lanes or to parallel-park, which increases the risk for automobile accidents. Physical activity and exercise can be hampered severely by lack of good range of motion. Lack of flexibility also may be a cause of falls and subsequent injury in older adults. A simple stretching program can alleviate or prevent reduced flexibility and help people return to an exercise program.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question

dakota nelson

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 604
Thank you!



Edwyer

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 337
Always glad to help...



 

Did you know?

Cocaine was isolated in 1860 and first used as a local anesthetic in 1884. Its first clinical use was by Sigmund Freud to wean a patient from morphine addiction. The fictional character Sherlock Holmes was supposed to be addicted to cocaine by injection.

Did you know?

Approximately 70% of expectant mothers report experiencing some symptoms of morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Did you know?

GI conditions that will keep you out of the U.S. armed services include ulcers, varices, fistulas, esophagitis, gastritis, congenital abnormalities, inflammatory bowel disease, enteritis, colitis, proctitis, duodenal diverticula, malabsorption syndromes, hepatitis, cirrhosis, cysts, abscesses, pancreatitis, polyps, certain hemorrhoids, splenomegaly, hernias, recent abdominal surgery, GI bypass or stomach stapling, and artificial GI openings.

Did you know?

Once thought to have neurofibromatosis, Joseph Merrick (also known as "the elephant man") is now, in retrospect, thought by clinical experts to have had Proteus syndrome. This endocrine disease causes continued and abnormal growth of the bones, muscles, skin, and so on and can become completely debilitating with severe deformities occurring anywhere on the body.

Did you know?

Over time, chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections can progress to advanced liver disease, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unlike other forms, more than 80% of hepatitis C infections become chronic and lead to liver disease. When combined with hepatitis B, hepatitis C now accounts for 75% percent of all cases of liver disease around the world. Liver failure caused by hepatitis C is now leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library