Assessing Cryotherapy and Moist Heat Pack Application With and Without the Use of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation-Contract Relax Stretching

Abstract

Cryotherapy or moist heat packs (MHP) are often used prior to static stretching to enhance range of motion (ROM). Their influence on ROM when applied prior to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-contract relax (PNF-CR) stretching is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if an ice bag or MHP influenced passive hip flexion ROM prior to PNF-CR stretching. When compared to the control, all treatment groups had a large effect. Participants receiving MHP PNF-CR, PNF-CR only, and ice bag PNF-CR met or exceeded our meaningful detectable change, thus demonstrating increased ROM. Those receiving an ice bag or MHP only did not demonstrate improvements and failed to present with ROM improvements.