Acute effects of contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching of hip abductors and adductors on dynamic balance

Abstract

BackgroundBalance control has been shown to play a fundamental role both in everyday life and many athletic activities. An important component of balance control is the somatosensory information gained from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs. The changes in the muscle-tendon unit stiffness could alter the ability to detect and respond promptly to changes of an unstable environment. One of the procedures affecting muscle stiffness is stretching, and contract-relax PNF stretching (CRS) is considered as one of the safest and most effective techniques. So far, there are no studies on the impact of CRS of hip adductor and abductor muscles on body balance. These muscle groups are responsible for maintaining mediolateral balance which is of particular interest, since it is more affected by ageing and disease and since its deterioration has been associated with an increased risk of falling. In light of the above, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a single dose of contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching of hip adductors and abductors on mediolateral dynamic balance.MethodsThe study involved 45 healthy individuals (age 19–23 years) assigned to the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). Balance testing was carried out before (Pre) and immediately after CRS in the intervention group or after 5-minute rest in the control group (Post). There were performed three repetitions of the CRS targeting the adductor and abductor muscles of the hip.ResultsStatistically significant differences between Pre and Post condition were observed only in the intervention group. The values of all measured variables defining the body’s dynamic balance were significantly lower immediately after the applied CRS, which indicates an improved body balance: Global Index (p = 0.0001), total area of sway (p = 0.0001), external area of sway (p = 0.00004), external time (p = 0.0004) and reaction time (p = 0.0003).ConclusionsA single dose of contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching of the hip adductor and abductor muscles improved mediolateral dynamic balance.

Effects of Stretching on Injury Risk Reduction and Balance

“…Furthermore, Handrakis et al (91) and Nelson et al (92) reported improved dynamic balance (single leg balance on a Balance System SD movable platform) and postural sway (time to maintain a stabilometer horizontal over two 30 s periods) after 10 min and 20 min of total SS, respectively. Alternatively, contract-relax PNF stretching has been reported to improve dynamic balance on a Biodex balance system and stabilometric platform (93,94) as well as impair dynamic balance on a stabilometric platform (95). With the literature demonstrating similar number of SS articles reporting either improved and impaired balance with SS, more research is necessary to ascertain whether SS is more likely to be beneficial or detrimental to balance and under which conditions it might have these different effects.…”

Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on physical fitness: A Critical Analysis

“…PNF contract relax antagonist stretching technique was better than PNF hold-relax stretching technique in improving the hamstring muscle flexibility (Ramachandran, 2018). A single dose of contract relaxes PNF stretching of hip abductors and adductors muscle improves mideolateral dynamic balance (Szafraniec, 2018).Repetitive highintensity stretching may cause heavy burden on muscle tissues, and pain caused by high-intensity stretching can hinder muscle performance. Moderate stretching intensity is recommended and considered conducive to maintaining the effects of stretching while ensuring its safety (Lim, 2018).…”

The effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in treating chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…PNF is a multifaceted exercise therapy method based on the theory of human development and neurophysiology, and it has important physiological and health benefits in improving trunk proprioception, muscle strength, exercise control, balance and endurance [20][21][22][23]. Recently, PNF training has been widely used by physical therapists to treat patients with chronic LBP, and the mechanism elicits a neuromuscular response by stimulating proprioceptors to relieve the symptoms of low back pain [24][25][26][27][30][31][32][33][34][35].…”