OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of the contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (CR PNF) stretching protocol on dynamic balance.
METHODS:
Twenty healthy young male performed two sessions in a randomized order; a session with CR PNF stretching protocol, and a session without the stretching protocol. Bipedal dynamic balance was measured in anterior-posterior and medio-lateral directions before and after the completion the two experimental sessions with eyes opened and closed.
RESULTS:
the present study showed that there is no significant difference between the two sessions (with vs without the CR PNF stretching protocol) in the anterior-posterior direction. However, in the medio-lateral direction, the CR PNF stretching protocol significantly enhanced dynamic balance, when compared with the no stretch protocol condition.
CONCLUSION:
This study concluded that CR PNF stretching might be effective to improve dynamic balance control.
KEYWORDS:
Postural control; proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; Proprioception; Stretching
