Influences of PNF Stretching on Physical Fitness in Aerobic Athletes

Abstract

Introduction: The quality of flexibility greatly impacts the performance of aerobics athletes. It is believed that stretching by proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) can contribute to this aspect by maximizing active joint range motion. Objective: Explore the influences of PNF stretching on the physical fitness of aerobics athletes. Methods: 24 professional aerobics athletes were selected, and randomly distributed into two groups with no statistical discrepancies in physical indices. PNF stretching exercise was performed on aerobics athletes in the experimental group, while no training intervention was performed in the control group. Physical fitness was assessed before and after the nine weeks of the intervention. Results: After PNF stretching training, the lower limb vertical score in the experimental group was from 6.58±0.19 to 8.20±0.47, and the transverse pronation score changed from 5.95±0.35 to 7.09±0.61. The vertical score in the control group was from 6.44±59.89 to 6.83±0.37 after the experiment; the transverse pronation penetration score was from 5.78±0.37 to 6.58±0.33. Conclusion: PNF stretching can effectively improve athletes’ physical fitness, both statically and dynamically, generating gains in range of motion and providing favorable conditioning for overall competitive performance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.