Effects Of Rpoprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Isokinetic Exercise On Heart Rate And Blood Pressure

Introduction
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular facilitation (P.N.F.) exercises are designed to promote the neuromuscular response of the
proprioceptors. P.N.F. patterns have a spiral, diagonal direction and are in line with the topographical arrangement of
the muscle (Knott & Voss 1968). P.N.F. therefore is commonly used, as an alternative form of progressive resistive
exercise by physical therapist since its use should be more advantageous than the usual strength programs in athletic
injury rehabilitation (Kofotolis et al. 2002, Kofotolis et al. 2003). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects
of PNF and isokinetic endurance exercise on heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP).

Methods
Twenty-four male physical education students were divided into two groups: PNF trained (PNF, n=12) and isokineticaly
trained (ISO, n=12). The training regiment for the PNF group consisted of three sets of ten repetitions against maximal
resistance, alternating two patterns of sequential movements of the right lower extremity: 1) toe flexion; ankle plantarflexion
and eversion and 2) knee extension; and hip extension, abduction, and internal rotation. Resting intervals of
thirty and sixty seconds were given after the completion of ten repetitions for each pattern and between sets
respectively. The ISO group followed a similar pattern of training performing three sets of ten repetitions alternating
knee extension and flexion of the right leg at angular velocities of 180º and 90º · sec-1 in a speed controlled isokinetic
dynamometer (Cybex 6000, Lumex Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY, 11779). Identical resting intervals as described above were
given in the ISO group. The frequency of training was three times per week for a total of eight weeks for both groups.
Moreover, for the sample evaluation and the data collections were used: polar sport tester and sphygmomanometer.

Results
Results are presented in table 1 below (Mean ± Sem):

Conclusion
PNF is an exercise modality effective for improving physical fitness and body composition in male physical education
students. The addition of resistance exercise appears to enhance the total fitness profile by improving muscular
performances and cardiovascular fitness greater than from performing ISO. It is concluded that PNF training as applied
here is equally effective to isokinetic training for heart rate and blood pressure.

References
[1]. Knott M. & Voss E. New York: Harper and Row, 1968
[2]. Kofotolis N. & et al. (2002). Journal of Human Movement Studies, 42, 155-165.
[3]. Kofotolis N. et al. (2003). Proceedings of the European Congress of Sports Medicine, Hasselt, Belgium

NOTA: O texto com a iconografia está no anexo

Arquivo