Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Weight Training for Enhancement of Muscular Strength and Athletic Performance

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and weight training (WT) on muscular strength and athletic performance. Thirty college women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: WT, PNF, and control. WT and PNF subjects trained 3 days a week for 8 weeks. All subjects were tested for changes in knee and elbow extensor strength, throwing distance, and vertical jump. The WT group increased strength by 19.3% for knee extension and 20.4% for elbow extension while the PNF group increaseil22.1 and 29.1 %, respectively. PNF also increased throwing distance by 25% and vertical jump by 16% while WT had increases of 12.8 and 9.9% respectively. These findings indicate PNF might be superior to WT in athletic performance enhancement and, therefore, the better modality for athletic conditioning and injury rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;7(5):250-253.