Efficacy of Static Stretching Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching on Hip Adductor Flexibility in Recreational Football Players

Abstract

Adductor strain is most commonly seen in football players. To help ease groin pain and improve the flexibility of muscles, stretching techniques like ballistic stretching, static stretching, etc can be used. Static hip adductor stretching and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, which is relatively new, are two effective techniques to increase muscle flexibility. This study examines the effects of these two stretching techniques on tight hip adductors. Method: Fifty people were chosen based on the inclusion criteria. There were two groups of subjects. PNF and static adductor stretching were administered to Group A. Group B received adductor stretching. These methods were used for three different days. Using a goniometer, the abduction range of motion was measured before the start of the first session and at the conclusion of the last one. Flexibility was measured before the first session and at the end of the previous treatment session by groin flexibility test. The inter-group analysis for Range of Motion (ROM) between Group A versus Group B showed a statistically significant difference by using an unpaired ‘t’ test. Results: Group A’s post-intervention flexibility values were 17.23, whereas group B’s were 13.5. There was a sizeable difference between Group A and Group B in the intergroup analysis of flexibility. The unpaired “t” test was used for this purpose. Conclusion: It is concluded that PNF stretching exercises had a statistically significant effect on the abduction range of motion and groin flexibility scores.