Positive Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Sports Performance: A Review

Abstract

The role of flexibility on athletic performance is going on to be studied both acutely and how it affects the performance in the long-term. It is important to understand the effects of various stretching types and define the most appropriate form in order to maximize the human movement and performance. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques are commonly used at athletic and clinic settings with the aim of optimizing motor performance and rehabilitation in order to increase range of motion. Yet, new research results put forth that the relation between performance and stretching is not as its thought and come up to this belief with suspicion. The aim of this review is to focus on the positive effects of PNF stretching on performance and to provide the reader with the latest researches on athletic performance. The researches reveal that PNF stretching can increase athletic performance in the long-term. Besides, it is more possible to obtain and maintain the benefits of PNF techniques if they are performed accurately and consistently.