Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Its Mechanisms and Effects on Range of Motion and Muscular Function
TLDR
The main goal of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is to increase range of motion and performance, and studies found both of these to be true when completed under the correct conditions.Abstract:
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is common practice for increasing range of motion, though little research has been done to evaluate theories behind it. The purpose of this study was to review possible mechanisms, proposed theories, and physiological changes that occur due to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques. Four theoretical mechanisms were identified: autogenic inhibition, reciprocal inhibition, stress relaxation, and the gate control theory. The studies suggest that a combination of these four mechanisms enhance range of motion. When completed prior to exercise, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation decreases performance in maximal effort exercises. When this stretching technique is performed consistently and post exercise, it increases athletic performance, along with range of motion. Little investigation has been done regarding the theoretical mechanisms of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, though four mechanisms were identified from the literature. As stated, the main goal of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is to increase range of motion and performance. Studies found both of these to be true when completed under the correct conditions. These mechanisms were found to be plausible; however, further investigation needs to be conducted. All four mechanisms behind the stretching technique explain the reasoning behind the increase in range of motion, as well as in strength and athletic performance. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation shows potential benefits if performed correctly and consistently.read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance, range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals: a systematic review
TL;DR: Considering the small-to-moderate changes immediately after stretching and the study limitations, stretching within a warm-up that includes additional poststretching dynamic activity is recommended for reducing muscle injuries and increasing joint ROM with inconsequential effects on subsequent athletic performance.
Journal ArticleDOI
Effects of Contract-Relax, Static Stretching, and Isometric Contractions on Muscle-Tendon Mechanics.
TL;DR: Concomitant reductions in muscle and tendon stiffness after CR stretching suggest a broader adaptive response that likely explains its superior efficacy in acutely increasing ROM.
Journal ArticleDOI
Higher Quadriceps Roller Massage Forces Do Not Amplify Range-of-Motion Increases nor Impair Strength and Jump Performance.
Lena Grabow,James D. Young,Lynsey R Alcock,Patrick J. Quigley,Jeannette M. Byrne,Urs Granacher,Jakob Škarabot,David G. Behm +7 more
TL;DR: Roller massage can be efficiently used to increase ROM without substantial pain and without subsequent performance impairments.
Journal ArticleDOI
Effects of aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching on the functional exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal kinematics in patients with COPD: a randomized and controlled trial
Juliano T Wada,Erickson Borges-Santos,Desiderio Cano Porras,Denise M. Paisani,Alberto Cukier,Adriana Claudia Lunardi,Celso R. F. Carvalho +6 more
TL;DR: The results suggest that aerobic training combined with respiratory muscle stretching increases the functional exercise capacity with decreased dyspnea in patients with COPD and is associated with an increased efficacy of the respiratory muscles and participation of the ABD compartment.
Journal ArticleDOI
The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-concept; the state of the evidence, a narrative review
TL;DR: A substantial body of research supports the use of PNF as a comprehensive rehabilitation concept in clinical practice in a variety of populations and indications; however, efficacy for specific indications and populations requires further investigation.
References
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Journal Article
Acute Effects of Static and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Muscle Strength and Power Output.
Sarah M. Marek,Joel T. Cramer,A. Louise Fincher,Laurie L. Massey,Suzanne M. Dangelmaier,Sushmita Purkayastha,Kristi A. Fitz,J Culbertson +7 more
TL;DR: Both static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching caused similar deficits in strength, power output, and muscle activation at both slow and fast velocities, which suggests the need for practitioners to consider a risk-to-benefit ratio when incorporating static or proprioception neuromUScularfacilitation stretching.
Journal ArticleDOI
Passive properties of human skeletal muscle during stretch maneuvers : A review
TL;DR: Recent findings regarding passive properties of the hamstring muscle group during stretch are reviewed based on a model that was developed which could synchronously and continuously measure passive hamstring resistance and electromyographic activity, while the velocity and angle of stretch was controlled.
Journal ArticleDOI
Nature and significance of the reflex connections established by large afferent fibers of muscular origin.
Yves Laporte,David P. C. Lloyd +1 more
Journal ArticleDOI
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching : mechanisms and clinical implications.
TL;DR: A summary of the findings suggests that an ‘active’ PNF stretching technique achieves the greatest gains in ROM, e.g. utilising a shortening contraction of the opposing muscle to place the target muscle on stretch, followed by a static contraction ofThe target muscle.
Journal ArticleDOI
The effect of static, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on vertical jump performance.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the acute effects of different modes of stretching on vertical jump performance and concluded that PNF or static stretching should not be performed immediately prior to an explosive athletic movement.
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