Is PNF Superior to Static Stretching?
A flexibility program is designed to improve the range of motion at a given joint by altering the extensibility of the musculotendinous units. Static stretching, once recommended, is now considered by many out of favor. 1, 2, 3 Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques by others are preferred. Both methods are based on alteration of the myotatic stretch reflex. Prentice 4 compared static stretching with PNF stretching by the slow-reversal-hold method for improving the range of hip joint motions in 46 subjects of both sexes, aged 18-34 years, who participated in a 10-week general fitness program emphasizing flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Flexibility measures were applied three days a week under direct supervision. Only the right hamstrings were stretched, and goniometric measurements were repeated after the 10-week training period. The slow-reversal-hold PNF technique was superior to static stretching. The slight gain in range of motion in the control extremi
