PNF RELAXATION AND STRETCHING TECHNIQUES AND THEIR EFFECTIVENESS COMPARED TO STATIC STRETCHING
Keywords:
stretching, relaxation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, hold-relax, contrac-relaxAbstract
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a method of enhancing volitional muscle contraction by
stimulating the proprioceptive nerve endings located in the muscles, joints, periosteum, labyrinth of the inner ear.
The techniques of PNF are widely used in the treatment of people with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases.
Stretching is an essential component of PNF. To inhibit increased muscle tone, contract-relax and hold-relax
techniques can be used. The most common stretching methods in clinical practice are static stretching and stretching
based on proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Several scientific studies show that PNF stretching techniques
are more effective than regular passive stretching techniques. This effectiveness is explained by the impact of PNF
stretching techniques on the proprioceptors of the body, and not only on muscle fibers. Although some studies have
reported that they provide greater increases in range of motion compared to static stretching, other studies have
shown no such difference. The purpose of this report is to briefly review proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
(PNF) stretching techniques and determine whether they are more effective than static stretching in increasing
muscle elasticity. To achieve this goal, a survey of modern literature sources was conducted in the following
databases: Pubmed, ResearchGate, GoogleScholar, HealthSource, ScienceDirect. Conclusion: all reviewed articles
looked at the use of PNF relaxation and stretching techniques, comparing them with static stretching to increase
range of motion. Overall, the results of this topic review are inconclusive as to whether PNF stretching is more
effective than static stretching in increasing range of motion. The literature reviewed indicates that range of motion
will increase regardless of whether PNF stretching techniques or static stretching are used.
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