Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Kinesiology Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Exercise Science

Brigham Young University

Series

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Kinesiology

Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack Of Contribution To The Success Of Pnf Stretches, J. Brent Feland, Sterling C. Hilton, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Ulrike H. Mitchell, J. William Myrer Jan 2009

Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack Of Contribution To The Success Of Pnf Stretches, J. Brent Feland, Sterling C. Hilton, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Ulrike H. Mitchell, J. William Myrer

Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches are widely used in athletics and rehabilitation. Although it has been shown that they produce better range-of-motion (ROM) increases than the slow or static stretch, the mechanisms responsible remain an enigma. This study was conducted to determine whether the previously proposed neurophysiological mechanisms of reciprocal inhibition and autogenic inhibition are responsible for the success of PNF stretches. In addition, the authors assessed the existence of the phenomenon of successive induction because it is used to strengthen reciprocal inhibition. Methods: Eighteen subjects 17–44 y performed the PNF stretches contract–relax (CR) and contract–relax, agonist …


Acute Stretch Perception Alteration Contributes To The Success Of The Pnf "Contract-Relax" Stretch, J. Brent Feland, Sterling C. Hilton, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Ulrike H. Mitchell, J. William Myrer Jan 2007

Acute Stretch Perception Alteration Contributes To The Success Of The Pnf "Contract-Relax" Stretch, J. Brent Feland, Sterling C. Hilton, J. Ty Hopkins, Iain Hunter, Ulrike H. Mitchell, J. William Myrer

Faculty Publications

Context: Some researchers have suggested that an alteration of stretch perception could be responsible for the success of the contract-relax (CR) stretch, a stretch technique derived from proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Objective: This study was conducted to determine if the alteration of the stretch perception is a possible explanation for the range of motion (ROM) gains of the CR stretch. Participants: Eighteen subjects performed two stretches in randomized order: the slow stretch and the CR stretch. Main Outcome Measure: The stretch intensity was controlled. The stretch force was measured and compared between the slow stretch and CR stretch. Results: There …