Equipment Designed to Simulate Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Flexibility Training.

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 methods of delivering the same proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) flexibility exercise protocol: one manual and the other machine. Thirty-six college students (18 male and 18 female), between 18 and 25 years of age, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: manual, machine, or control. The manual group used techniques described in Scientific Stretching for Sport (3S), while the machine group used 2 pieces of exercise equipment designed to simulate PNF training principles. Subjects in the training groups exercised their low back and hamstring musculature 5 days per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Pretest and posttest measurements consisted of 4 different flexibility tasks and were taken on days 1 and 15, respectively. The results were analyzed for comparisons of group and gender differences in performance scores. Both training groups had significant (p < 0.05) improvements in all measures. The machine group had significantly greater increases than the manual group on trunk flexion and right hip flexion. Females had significantly greater improvements than males for trunk flexion. Despite many similarities between the 2 training methods, there were numerous beneficial aspects associated with the use of the flexibility exercise equipment. (C) 2000 National Strength and Conditioning Association