Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching on functional reach of lower extremity using Y-balance test

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching in improving flexibility and functional reach of the lower extremity using Y-balance test (YBT) among amateur badminton players. Methods: Thirty male students (age 20 ± 1.8 years, height 162 ± 8.2 cm, weight 51 ± 9.2 kg, body mass index 20 ± 3.9 kg/m2) from Teerthanker Mahaveer University having hamstring tightness and without any musculoskeletal disorders formed the sample of this study. Subject's age, height, and weight were recorded. Informed consent was taken from all the subjects. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups each consisting of 15 subjects. Hamstring flexibility for each group was measured using YBT. Subjects of the experiment group were treated with PNF stretching; stretch was performed three times a week for a total training period of 4 weeks. However, the subjects of control group were not subjected to any type of stretching. Results: The study results revealed a significant improvement in PNF stretching protocol compared to the control group. The findings of the study provide beneficial evidence that PNF stretching significantly improves flexibility and YBT performance among amateur badminton players. Conclusion: The study concludes that 4 weeks of PNF training in amateur badminton players has favorable changes in their functional reach, i.e., hamstring muscle when compared from pretest.