A Comparison of Various Contraction Intensities in Contract-Relax Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching of the Hamstring Muscle Group

Authors

Heather Nielson, Brigham Young University
Dr. Brent Feland, Brigham Young University

Keywords

contraction intensities, contract-relax proprioceptive, stretch, hamstring muscle group

College

Life Sciences

Department

Exercise Sciences

Abstract

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a popular stretching method that increases flexibility. There are several different methods of PNF, but they all usually require the assistance of another person. The contract-relax method is a widely used PNF techniquei that utilizes maximum voluntary isometric muscle contraction (MVIC) followed by relaxation. An athletic trainer or therapist then pushes the relaxed muscle further into stretch after each contraction. So, traditionally the person is asked to contract the muscle being stretched as hard as possible in order to produce the MVIC. Very little research has been conducted to using submaximal contractions.ii iii Therefore, the purpose in our study was to determine if submaximal contractions utilized in contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (CRPNF) of the hamstrings yield comparable gains in flexibility to maximal voluntary contractions.

Recommended Citation

Nielson, Heather and Feland, Dr. Brent (2013) "A Comparison of Various Contraction Intensities in Contract-Relax Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching of the Hamstring Muscle Group," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1148.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1148