• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.71-80
• /
• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, based on ballistic stretching and the contract-relax technique, on hip joint flexibility and muscle tone in adults with shortened rectus femoris muscles. Methods: The study involved 40 adults with shortened rectus femoris muscles, identified using the modified Thomas test. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: PNF stretching, employing the contract-relax technique, and ballistic stretching. Measurements included muscle tension, hip joint range of motion, and muscle characteristics. The rectus femoris muscle shortening effect was confirmed by the modified Thomas test, while the flexibility effect was assessed through hip joint motion range. The muscle tension effect was determined using Myoton-PRO. Results: Both stretching methods resulted in significant improvements in modified Thomas test angles and frequency, with the PNF stretching group showing notably greater changes. However, neither stretching method significantly affected decrement or stiffness measurements. These findings suggest that PNF stretching may be more effective for certain outcomes compared to ballistic stretching. Conclusion: In summary, both stretching methods positively influenced flexibility and muscle tension, with PNF stretching showing a greater impact. These findings highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate stretching technique for achieving functional improvements in muscles, which could serve as valuable indicators for preventing and treating muscle injuries in both sports and daily activities.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
• /
• v.8 no.8
• /
• pp.1271-1276
• /
• 2013

This study selected 22 male subjects to examine the maintenance period of static and ballistic stretching applied to rectus femoris, divided them into 11 static stretching group and 11 ballistic stretching group and analyzed changes in median frequency and in maximal voluntary isometric contraction before stretching and at 30 sec, 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, and 10 min after stretching. Median frequency showed significant differences in changes according to time and groups after the test of main effects. It was reduced after 3 min. in both static stretching and ballistic stretching groups and then increased again. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction showed significant differences in changes according to time and groups from the results of the main effect test. Static stretching group was reduced at 3 min after the experiment and then increased after that and ballistic stretching group was reduced at 5 min after the experiment and then increased again. In conclusion, changes were shown according to time after stretching and the effects of ballistic stretching were maintained a little longer than those of static stretching.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of ballistic stretching techniques on the flexibility, muscle strength and electrophysiologic nature. Methods : The subjects of the study were 20 young adults including 10 for the ballistic-stretching group, and 10 for the control group. This study measured hamstring flexibility, muscle strength, median frequency and root mean square on electromyography signals. All measurements were analyzed using independent sample t-tests. Results : VAS, FPRS, and ODI showed significant pain decrease in all groups except for the ODI measurement in the 0.5㎐ group. There were no significant differences according to frequency levels. Conclusion : It was understood that the effect of stretching was greater when performing ballistic stretching techniques.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.7 no.4
• /
• pp.1-7
• /
• 2009

Purpose : This paper reviews on the method of PNF stretching. Methods : This is literature study with Pubmed, medline, SPORT Discus, EBSCO, ProQuest and books. Results : PNF stretching is effective for increasing range of motion than static and ballistic stretching. CR(contract-relax) technique is effective and CRAC(contract-relax with agonist contraction) technique including agonist contraction is more effective. A minimum of one repetition, twice or three times per week is required for range of motion gains, needs to be conducted continueously. A minimum of 20% contraction intensity and more than 3 seconds contraction duration are needed to increase range of motion. Inclusion of static stretching of antagonist and agonist contraction is more effective. Conclusions : PNF stretching is more effective for increasing range of motion than other stretching methods, but, clinicians need to select proper techniques according to subjects and muscles, and conduct carefully when applying technique.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.5 no.3
• /
• pp.675-689
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficient way of stretching technique from three methods, and of stretching duration and frequency. Sretching is known to improve musculotendinous flexibility and joint suppleness, and employed in many warm-up routines during physical activities and athletic performances. The benefits and the rationale of stretching have been reviewed. Many authors agree that, for the best results, static stretching has to be held for approximately 30 sec. in a trial, three trials in a session, at least three times a week for four weeks. Further clinical studies are required for elucidating more informations on this subject.