Note: [*] Address reprint requests to Dr. Thomas Ball at the Department of Physical Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching procedures on flexibility and muscular strength. Subjects were 41 females enrolled in dance fitness classes at a large state university. One class was designated as the control, whereas the other class subjects were randomly assigned to a slow reversal. (SR) PNF group (n = 12) or a contract-relax (CR) PNF group (n = 10). The treatment groups participated in a supervised PNF program three times per week for 7 weeks. All subjects were pre- and posttested for flexibility and strength of the hip extensors. Adjusted posttest mean flexibility scores did not significantly differ between groups (F(2.37) = 2.12, P > 0.05). However, the SR and CR groups showed 6.2% and 6.8% mean increases in hip flexibility, respectively, whereas the control group showed only a 0.7% mean increase. Adjusted posttest scores of strength were significantly different between groups (F(2.37) = 7.35, P < 0.05). Tukey's post hoc test showed significant differences between the control and two treatments (P < 0.05), but no significant difference between the two treatment groups (P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that SR and CR PNF stretching procedures may be effective for increasing flexibility and developing muscular strength for some groups. Such information is of practical importance to coaches, athletic trainers, and exercise specialists interested in maintaining and increasing strength through the use of PNF stretching procedures.
Keywords: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques, hip range of motion and muscular strength, hip extensors
