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Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on the plantar flexor muscle‐tendon tissue properties
Author(s) -
Mahieu N. N.,
Cools A.,
De Wilde B.,
Boon M.,
Witvrouw E.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of medicine and science in sports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.575
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1600-0838
pISSN - 0905-7188
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00815.x
Subject(s) - plantar flexion , achilles tendon , proprioception , ankle dorsiflexion , ankle , range of motion , medicine , tendon , static stretching , physical medicine and rehabilitation , facilitation , passive stretching , physical therapy , anatomy , psychology , neuroscience
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching programs have been shown to be the most effective stretching technique to increase the range of motion (ROM). The objective of this study was to examine the mechanism of effect of PNF stretching on changes in the ROM. Sixty‐two healthy subjects were randomized into two groups: a PNF stretching group and a control group. The PNF group performed a 6‐week stretching program for the calf muscles. Before and after this period, all subjects were evaluated for dorsiflexion ROM, passive resistive torque (PRT) of the plantar flexors and stiffness of the Achilles tendon. The results of the study revealed that the dorsiflexion ROM was significantly increased in the PNF group (ΔROMext: 5.97±0.671°; ΔROMflex: 5.697±0.788°). The PRT of the plantar flexors and the stiffness of the Achilles tendon did not change significantly after 6 weeks of PNF stretching. These findings provide evidence that PNF stretching results in an increased ankle dorsiflexion. However, this increase in ROM could not be explained by a decrease of the PRT or by a change in stiffness of the Achilles tendon, and therefore can be explained by an increase in stretch tolerance.