proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (pnf) training (contraction - relaxation method), in compared to the other methods of static and dynamic stretching exercises; has higher and safer effects on enhancement of hamstring muscle's flexibility, strength and endurance. achieving the optimal combination of contraction and stretching phases in pnf training that can increase these factors of phy...

Davis, D.S., P.E. Ashby, K.L. McCale, J.A. McQuain, and J.M. Wine. The effectiveness of 3 stretching techniques on hamstring flexibility using consistent stretching parameters. J. Strength Cond. Res. 19(1):27–32. 2005.—This study compares the effects of 3 common stretching techniques on the length of the hamstring muscle group during a 4-week training program. Subjects were 19 young adults betw...

The concept of stretching is to increase the range of motion of a joint. Theoretical evidence suggests that the in vivo properties of tendon are different between men and women. There exist gender differences in the viscoelastic properties of a tendon too. This suggests that stretching affects the properties of a muscle and because male and female tendons have different viscoelastic properties,...

This study compared the effects of a simple versus complex contraction pattern on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of maximal isometric strength gains and reductions in force variability. A control group (N = 12) performed simple isometric contractions of the wrist flexors. An experimental group (N = 12) performed complex proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contractions cons...

Stretching before performance is a common practice among athletes in hopes of increasing performance and reducing the risk of injury. However, cumulative results indicate a negative impact of static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on performance; thus, there is a need for evaluating other stretching strategies for effective warm-up. The purpose of this study was t...