International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Abstract

Motor Irradiation According to the Concept of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation: Measurement Tools and Future Prospects

Monara Nunes, Diandra Martins e Silva, Rayele Moreira, Fernanda Sousa, Lysnara Lial, Kaline Rocha, Fernando Silva-Junior, Marco Orsini, Gildário Dias, Silmar Teixeira and Victor Hugo Bastos

The concept of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation is widely used in the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Among the basic principles, Motor Irradiation (MI) allows to activate weak muscles, by activating strong muscles. Despite being widely used, the neurophysiological basis that justify the Motor Irradiation and its measurement forms are not yet well understood, which motivated us to conduct a review of the databases of PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo, looking for articles that clarify the subject. The literature emphasizes three possible theories to justify MI, two neural and one biomechanical. There are several ways used to measure the MI, and the Electromyography, Functional magnetic resonance imaging and Load cell are the most cited in studies. Future studies could use the electroencephalography to measure the electrophysiological effects caused by strength irradiation in the Neuromuscular Facilitation Proprioceptive protocols.