PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training (Oct 03 - 05, 2025)

PNF: Functional Neuromuscular and Motor Control Training is organized by The Institute of Physical Art, Inc. (IPA) and will be held from Oct 03 - 05, 2025 at Hardin-Simmons University: Physical Therapy Program, Abilene, Texas, United States of America.

Description:
Efficient, purposeful movement is the treatment goal for all patients.  Locomotion is a human trait historically necessary to survive, and therefore a strategic expression of our genetics.  Through the expression of our genetics, humans develop a neuro/myofascial/skeletal system which supports anti-gravity postures and movements.  Research supports that efficient postures and movements require the presence of an Automatic Core Engagement (ACE) and that loss of proprioception and kinesthetic awareness negatively impact movement. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) effectively combines motor control theory and advanced manual skills to restore proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness and facilitate CoreFirst® Strategies of posture and movement.

PNF is more than PNF patterns, it is a dynamic motor control system that is based on human genetics of growth and development.  PNF utilizes existing neuromuscular pathways and motor patterns which drive the development of CoreFirst strategies of human function and locomotion.  PNF patterns are universal, yet uniquely expressed within each individual. This class will exponentially develop your manual skills of palpation as you explore the individual application of each pattern and how it reveals the mechanical capacity, neuromuscular function and task-oriented motor control for each patient.  

This PNF class will instill confidence in you to manually differentiate between a CoreFirst® versus a phasic driven motor response. Mastering PNF will also enhance your mobilization techniques by training your ability to utilize specific active or resisted contractions to perform Functional Mobilization™.

During dynamic supervised lab sessions, each participant will learn to:

• Restore, Retrain, Activate CoreFirst® Postures and Movements
• Maximize integrated function/control between the extremities and the trunk
• Promote Automatic Core Engagement (ACE) during intentional or responsive stabilizing activities and movement
• Enhance balance, stability, strength, and endurance by optimizing posture and movement strategies
• Apply PNF manual skills and techniques within the Functional Manual Therapy® clinical reasoning system

Objectives:

• Identify and discuss motor learning principles of human motor control
• Demonstrate the PNF system of whole to parts and parts to whole
• Examine the interdependence of mechanical capacity, neuromuscular function, and motor control within each part of a functional task
• Identify the developmental progression of core control throughout normal human growth and developmental tasks, postures and movements
• Correlate growth and developmental core control to the PNF patterns of facilitation
• Practice and acquire manual skills of facilitation necessary to promote appropriate motor strategies with each patient
• During supervised lab sessions, demonstrate the manual skill necessary to assess passive movement and determine if the movement is efficient or impaired by mechanical or neuromuscular impairments
• During supervised lab sessions, demonstrate the manual skill necessary to differentiate between a phasic dominant motor strategy and a CoreFirst® motor strategy
• Evaluate and assess the role of the interconnecting segments (the scapula and pelvis) for efficient locomotion and self-care tasks
• Analyze and discuss clinical evidence and current literature related to the PNF material