The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-concept; the state of the evidence, a narrative review

TLDR: A substantial body of research supports the use of PNF as a comprehensive rehabilitation concept in clinical practice in a variety of populations and indications; however, efficacy for specific indications and populations requires further investigation.

Abstract: Introduction: The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-concept (PNF-concept) is a widely used rehabilitation concept, and is in many countries part of the undergraduate curriculum of physiotherapy education. It is also offered in postgraduate training worldwide. The modern physiotherapist is confronted with the application of evidence-based practice; therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence for this rehabilitation concept.Method: A search was completed using Pubmed, ScienceDirect, PEDro, Cochrane library and the International PNF Association website. An evidence-based practice approach has been promoted in the field of physiotherapy since the early 1990s, hence we limited the search from 1990 until 2014.Major findings: Seventy-four sources that were found were categorized in: (A) PNF philosophy, (B) PNF basic principles and procedures, (C) PNF techniques in rehabilitation. In the reviewed publications, a variety of indications and subject populations were identified in...