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BENEFITS & EFFECTS OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION STRETCHING IN THE COOL DOWN PHASE OF EXERCISE

Abstract

J. Williamson, S. Simmons

Corban University, Salem, OR

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits and effects of a 4-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching training program as well as a 4-week static stretching training program during the cool down phase of exercise, followed by comparing and analyzing the resulting differences in range of motion (ROM), specifically the extensibility of the hamstring. METHODS: 25 volunteers (male = 13; female = 12; 20.44 ± 1.325 years) (BMI 23.6517 ± 2.00964 lb/in2) were randomly assigned into either PNF stretching experiment groups or static stretching control groups. Before and after the stretching intervention, we determined the maximum extension ROM in the right (R) hamstring. Subjects’ active ROM was measured by use of angular degrees by means of a goniometer at the knee. RESULTS: The PNF group showed a statistically significant increase in hamstring ROM (preROM = 124.00° +12.767°, postROM = 136.08° + 8.301°; t(12) = 4.416, p = .001). The static stretching group showed an increase in hamstring ROM, although not statistically significant (preROM = 136. 58° + 15. 012°, postROM = 142. 33° + 12.235°; t(11) = 1.960, p = .076). CONCLUSION: We conclude that a 4-week PNF stretching training program in the cool down phase of exercise increases ROM and is superior to the effects of static stretching.

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