A therapist uses proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation during gait and applies resistance to the pelvis to enhance proximal control. This technique is BEST described as which of the following?

• A. Resisted progression
• B. Rhythmic initiation
• C. Repeated contractions
• D. Hold-relax active movement

Answer: (A)

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation applied during gait with manual resistance at the pelvis is aiming to drive forward movement while strengthening and stabilizing the hips and trunk. This approach is known as resisted progression. By applying resistance in the direction of the gait pattern, you encourage the neuromuscular system to recruit muscles for proximal control and coordinated forward progression, which is exactly what you’re targeting with pelvic resistance during walking.

Other PNF techniques have different aims: rhythmic initiation focuses on coordinating and initiating movement, often moving from passive to active to resistive patterns to improve sequencing and relaxation; repeated contractions use brief bursts of contraction to build strength in a weak muscle with emphasis on repeated effort; hold-relax active movement is a ROM technique that uses an isometric hold of the antagonist followed by passive or active movement into the agonist range. In this scenario, the purpose is clearly to enhance locomotor strength and control during gait, which aligns with resisted progression.