J Korean Phys Ther.  2024 Feb;36(1):1-8. 10.18857/jkpt.2024.36.1.1.

Effects of 4-week PNF Exercise Program on Activity, Posture, and Muscle Strength in a Patient with Abdominalis Weakness after Cesarean Section: A Single-Subject Study

• Kim BR
• Kang TW
• Park SY

• KMID: 2563056
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2024.36.1.1

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) abdominal muscle strengthening exercise on the activity, posture, and body function of clients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.
Methods
PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied to one patient with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercise was applied five times a week for four weeks. The 5-time supine-to-long sitting test (5-TSLST) and supine-to-stand test (SST) were used to measure activity, and the pelvis tilt angle test (PTAT) and anterior head translation test (AHTT) were used to measure posture. Body function was assessed using the transverse abdominis muscle strength test (TAMST), the internal oblique and external oblique muscle strength test (IOEOMST), and the rectus abdominis muscle strength test (RAMST).
Results
Activity, posture, and body function were improved post-intervention.
Conclusion
The study verified that PNF abdominal muscle strengthening exercises are effective when applied to patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section. The findings of this study provide useful data for future interventions in patients with abdominal muscle weakness after cesarean section.

Keyword

Abdominal muscles; Cesarean section; Physical therapy; Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation