Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack of Contribution to the Success of PNF Stretches

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Permanent URL	http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/2647
Title	Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack of Contribution to the Success of PNF Stretches
BYU Creator	Feland, J. Brent Hilton, Sterling C. Hopkins, J. Ty Hunter, Iain Mitchell, Ulrike H. Myrer, J. William
Keywords	proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; PNF; successive induction; flexibility; stretching
Description/Abstract	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 contract (CRAC). EMG data were collected from the medial hamstring muscles via surface and indwelling wire electrodes and analyzed for reciprocal inhibition and successive induction, as well as autogenic inhibition (surface electrodes only). Results: Reciprocal inhibition was not evident. The results indicated an elevated rather than an inhibited EMG during the antagonist contraction, possibly representing cocontraction. The authors did confirm the presence of successive induction. Autogenic inhibition was also not evident, and the expected inhibition and therefore lower EMG values after muscle contraction were not observed; instead, they were higher than baseline. Conclusion: Previous neurophysiological explanations for mechanisms of PNF stretching appear to be inadequate. This study corroborates previous findings that a muscle’s tone increases during its antagonist’s contraction. Other explanations should be considered regarding the mechanism for the effectiveness of the CRAC and CR PNF techniques in a nonneurologically impaired population.
Source	Mitchell UH, Myrer JW, Hopkins JT, Hunter I, Feland JB. (2009). Neurophysiological reflex mechanisms lack of contribution to the success of PNF stretches, Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 18(3), 343-357.;
Publisher	Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
Date Original	2009
Date Digital	2010-11-09
Language	English eng en
Publication Type	Peer-Reviewed Articles
Type	Text
Format	application/pdf
Owning Institution	Brigham Young University
BYU College	College of Life Sciences
BYU Department	Exercise Sciences
Copyright Status	(c) 2009 Human Kinetics Publisher, Inc.;
Copyright Use Information	http://www.lib.byu.edu/generic_copyright.html

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Neurophysiological Reflex Mechanisms’ Lack of Contribution to the Success of PNF Stretches

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