The acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching on selected performance parameters

Acute static stretching has been shown to decrease strength, power, and endurance. The effects of acute PNF stretching have not been investigated. Additionally, a population with tight musculature may respond differently to stretching than those who have a normal muscle length. This study investigated how PNF stretching affected anterior pelvic tilt, hip extension range of motion (ROM), hip extensor strength, agility, and vertical jump height in those with and without tight hip flexors. Tight subjects had reduced ROM when compared to not tight subjects. There was a significant increase in ROM after stretching in both tight and not tight subjects. Following stretching, both tight and not tight subjects experienced a significant reduction in anterior pelvic tilt. There were no significant differences between groups or tests in vertical jump height or strength variables. PNF stretching increases stretch tolerance, but does not appear to influence antagonist muscle strength