Impacts of PNF Stretching on Joint Flexibility in Volleyball Athletes

Abstract

Introduction: It is believed that the stretching method by Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) can improve functional joint flexibility through neural stimuli, resulting in more precise movements for volleyball players. Objective: Study the effect of PNF stretching exercise on shoulder joint flexibility in volleyball athletes. Methods: A total of 30 members of a university volleyball team were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The traditional stretching method was used in the control group, while the PNF stretching method was employed in the experimental group. Data regarding the range of motion and functional quality were collected before and after the intervention for statistical analysis. Results: After eight weeks of the experiment, the left anterior flexion functional score on the shoulder flexibility index of the experimental group increased from 147.05 ± 4.95 to 160.99 ± 4.56; the right frontal flexion score increased from 150.27 ± 5.93 to 162.16 ± 4.46. Shoulder joint stability was gradually stabilized from 88.33 to 101.17. The pass functional score increased from 4.17 ± 1.93 to 18.96 ± 1.77; the overall functional performance score increased from 9.02 ± 4.04 to 23.07 ± 3.96. The control group had an increase without statistical significance. Conclusion: PNF stretching exercises can improve the shoulder joint flexibility of volleyball players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.