Effects of Elastic Band Exercise Using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Strength and Dynamic Balance of Adults with Ankle Instability

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with
elastic band exercise on strength and dynamic balance in ankle instability. A total of 19 subjects with ankle
instability. Subjects were randomly divided into ST(Stretching group, n=10) and STPNF(Stretching with
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation group, n=10). Two groups measured strength dynamic balance.
The differences in ankle muscle strength and balance ability between pre- and post-intervention were
analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. In the within-group pre-post comparison, STPNF showed
significant increase in muscle strength at RPF30°, LPF30°, and RPF90°. In the between-groups comparison,
significant difference in muscle strength was found at RPF30°, LPF30°, LDF30°, RDF90°, LPF90°, and
LDF90° (p<0.05). In the within-group pre-post comparison of dynamic balance, STPNF showed significant
increase in leftward and rightward (p<0.05). In the between-groups comparison, significant difference in
rightward balance was found (p<0.05). The results from this study indicated that PNF with elastic band have
improved the strength and balance in ankle instability.