Acute Effects of Passive and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching Techniques on Speed, Agility, and Explosive Strength in Youth Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of static passive and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques on agility, speed, and lower-extremity explosive power in youth basketball players. Methods: Twenty male basketball players were randomized as passive and PNF groups. A single session of passive or PNF stretching techniques was applied to each group on the hamstring, quadriceps and calf group muscles. Outcome measurements consisted of the T Agility Test for agility, the 30-Meter Sprint Test for speed, the Standing Long Jump Test and the Lateral Jump Test for lower-extremity explosive power. Results: In within-group comparisons, statistically significant improvements were found in the passive group in all tests (p<0.05) except the 30-meter sprint test (p>0.05). In the PNF group, a significant improvement was found only in the T Agility Test in within-group comparisons (p=0.05). In the between-group comparison, no statistical difference was found between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, static passive stretching before activity may have a greater effect on lower-extremity explosive power compared to PNF stretching. Additionally, PNF stretching improved agility, and did not cause any negative acute effects on speed and explosive strength. In the future, we think that conducting studies on how long the positive or negative acute effects of stretching techniques continue will be important for warm-up programs.
Keywords
Basketball, Passive Stretching, PNF Stretching, Athletic Performance
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