1. Using the Spiral–Diagonal Patterns of PNF
Chapter 3

2. Spiral–Diagonal Patterns of Movement
The spiral–diagonal nature of normal movements arises from the design of the skeletal system and the placement of the muscles on it. Muscles spiral around the bones from origin to insertion. When they contract, they tend to create that spiral in motion.
The spiral is especially noticeable in the movements of the arms, which swing across the body during walking and running.
When the biceps contract, they not only flex the elbow but also rotate (supinate) the forearm.
Many muscles are capable of motion in three planes. The psoas muscle flexes the hip (the dominant action) but also assists adduction and external rotation of the femur.

3. The Attachments of the (a) Sartorius, (b) Tibialis Anterior, (c) Biceps Brachii, and (d) Levator Scapulae a b c d
(a) Adapted, by permission, from R.S. Behnke, 2005, Kinetic anatomy, 2nd ed. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 178, 216, 13.

4. The Iliopsoas Is Capable of Producing Motion Through Three Planes of Movement
Adapted, by permission, from R.S. Behnke, 2005, Kinetic anatomy, 2nd ed. (Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics), 178.

5. Importance of Spiral Patterns
Movement that is devoid of spiral and diagonal motion looks and feels stiff, awkward, and clumsy.
Coordinated, graceful movement can be compromised through outright injury, or more insidiously when you limit movement patterns through habituation.
One of the primary benefits of learning and using the spiral patterns of PNF is to restore or enhance coordinated, graceful movement that incorporates multiple planes and axes of motion.

6. Patterns for the Arm D1 pattern for the arm:
D1 flexion: grab the seat belt
D1 extension: fasten the seat belt
(continued)

7. Patterns for the Arm (continued)
D2 pattern for the arm:
D2 flexion: draw a sword
D2 extension: sheathe a sword

8. Patterns for the Leg D1 pattern for the leg: D1 flexion: soccer kick
D1 extension: toe-off
(continued)

9. Patterns for the Leg (continued)
D2 pattern for the leg:
D2 flexion: the snow plow
D2 extension: 5th position

10. Stretching With the Spiral Patterns
Full spiral–diagonal patterns use all three planes of motion:
1. Extension or flexion
2. Adduction or abduction
3. Internal or external rotation
(continued)

11. Stretching With the Spiral Patterns (continued)
Work at end of range.
Blend adduction and flexion or abduction and extension.
Maintain precise hand contacts.

12. Strengthening With the Spiral Patterns
Stability balls
Elastic bands
Wall-mounted pulley system

13. Strengthening the Arms
D1 flexion shown with elastic band
(continued)

14. Strengthening the Arms (continued)
D1 extension
(continued)

15. Strengthening the Arms (continued)
D2 flexion
(continued)

16. Strengthening the Arms (continued)
D2 extension

17. Strengthening the Legs
D1 flexion shown with elastic band
(continued)

18. Strengthening the Legs (continued)
D1 extension
(continued)

19. Strengthening the Legs (continued)
D2 flexion
(continued)

20. Strengthening the Legs (continued)
D2 extension