The rapid stretch stimulus does not enhance muscle strength in active individuals following a 4-week proprioceptive neuromuscular strengthening protocol.

Authors

Aditi P. Vyas, Northern Michigan UniversityFollow
Sarah Breen, Northern Michigan UniversityFollow

Category

Strength & Conditioning

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) a technique widely used as a training modality among physically active individuals. PNF in the upper limb is combined with the rapid stretch stimulus at the beginning of every repetition of resistive diagonal PNF. The stretch stimulus is applied at the palm of the hand & fingers in the opposite direction to activate receptors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of stretch stimulus with PNF exercises over 4-weeks for improvements in muscle strength. Eight participants were recruited & randomly divided into the CG, n=4 with no stretch stimulus & EG, n=4 with addition of stretch stimulus. Muscle strength of elbow flexors & maximum grip strength was measured. Mixed ANOVA showed that the rapid stretch stimulus is not sufficient in this small group to improve strength when combined with PNF diagonal strengthening (p>0.05).

Recommended Citation

Vyas, Aditi P. and Breen, Sarah (2021) "The rapid stretch stimulus does not enhance muscle strength in active individuals following a 4-week proprioceptive neuromuscular strengthening protocol.," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 39: Iss. 1, Article 62.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol39/iss1/62