Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume: 13 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 315-321
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260632
Effectiveness of Static Stretching Versus PNF Stretching (Contract Relax) in Increasing the Extensibility of Plantar Flexors in Young Athletes
Ragunath Balu1, Dr. V. Ramamoorthy2, Syed Ibrahim Syed Kadar Oli3
1Senior Physiotherapist, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India.
2Professor & HOD, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India
3Registered Physiotherapist, Long Term Care Home, Lifemark Seniors Wellness, Ontario, Canada
Corresponding Author: Ragunath Balu
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Many sports injuries are due to lack of flexibility. For example, an athlete with a tight muscle can easily injure it while sprinting. The aim of this study is to find out the effect of static versus PNF stretching in increasing the extensibility of plantar flexors in young athletes.
Methodology: A Pre-test and post-test design with two comparison treatment – Quasi experimental study design. 20 athletes were taken and they were divided into two groups by using random methods. Static stretching (group A) and PNF stretching – contract relax technique (group B). Both groups underwent 6 weeks of intervention. Plantar flexor extensibility is assessed using Cole’s standard goniometric technique of ankle dorsi flexion
Statistical analysis was done using paired and independent ‘t’ tests with significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant pre-post improvements, Group B achieved higher scores compared to Group A in ankle plantar flexor extensibility (t=3.92).
Conclusion: PNF stretching is more effective than static stretching in improving the ankle plantar flexor extensibility in young athletes. Incorporating PNF stretching into athletic conditioning programs may optimize the kinetic chain, leading to improved functional performance on field.
Keywords: Ankle joint, Extensibility, Plantar flexors, PNF stretching, Static stretching.
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