The Effects of PNF Stretching on Anaerobic Power and Motor Performance in Adolescent Male Volleyball Players

NCT06921772 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-05
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 18
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises on anaerobic power and motor performance in adolescent male volleyball players. Eighteen participants aged 15 to 17 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group performed PNF stretching exercises three times per week for six weeks, in addition to their regular volleyball training. The control group continued their standard volleyball training without PNF stretching. Outcome measures included anaerobic power, flexibility, balance, speed, push-up, and crunch tests. The study hypothesizes that PNF stretching will improve motor performance indicators in adolescent athletes.

Conditions

Motor Performance; Anaerobic Power; Flexibility; Stretching

Keywords

Volleyball; Adolescent Athletes; PNF Stretching; Exercise Intervention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Anaerobic Power (Margaria-Kalamen Test)

  Anaerobic power will be evaluated using the Margaria-Kalamen test, which measures power output based on the time taken to run up a staircase. The test will be conducted at baseline and after 6 weeks.

  Baseline and after 6-week intervention

• Hamstring Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)

  Hamstring flexibility will be measured with the Sit-and-Reach test. Participants sit on the floor with legs extended and reach forward. The distance reached is recorded in centimeters.

  Baseline and after 6-week intervention

• Static Balance Performance

  Static balance will be measured by having participants stand on one leg for a defined duration without support. Performance will be evaluated based on duration of balance and postural stability.

  Baseline and after 6-week intervention

• Sprint Performance (20-m Sprint Test)

  Speed performance will be measured using the 20-meter sprint test. Participants will run 20 meters at maximal effort, and the time taken will be recorded in seconds.

  Baseline and after 6-week intervention

• Upper Body Endurance (Push-Up Test)

  Upper body muscular endurance will be evaluated by counting the number of push-ups performed within 30 seconds.

  Baseline and after 6-week intervention

• Core Endurance (Crunch Test)

  Core endurance will be assessed by counting the number of crunches a participant can perform in 30 seconds.

  Baseline and after 6-week intervention

Study Arms (2)

PNF Stretching Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group performed proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises three times per week for six weeks, in addition to their regular volleyball training.

Behavioral: PNF Stretching Exercise

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group continued with their regular volleyball training without any additional intervention.

Interventions

PNF Stretching Exercise BEHAVIORAL

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises were applied three times per week for six weeks. The intervention included contract-relax and hold-relax techniques targeting lower extremity muscle groups, conducted in addition to regular volleyball training.

PNF Stretching Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 15 Years - 17 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Only biologically male participants are eligible to participate in this study.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Male participants
• Aged between 15 and 17 years
• At least 2 years of volleyball training experience
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study
• No recent musculoskeletal injuries (in the last 6 months)

You may not qualify if:

• Participants with any diagnosed neurological or cardiovascular disorder
• Current use of performance-enhancing drugs or supplements
• History of lower extremity surgery
• Inability to complete the training or testing sessions
• Failure to provide written informed consent

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Zarife Pancar: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, 27350, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Muscle Stretching Exercises

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: The assessor responsible for outcome measurements was blinded to group allocation.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Model Details: The study used a parallel assignment model with two arms. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received PNF stretching exercises in addition to regular training, or the control group, which continued only with standard volleyball training.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 3, 2025
• First Posted: April 10, 2025
• Study Start: January 20, 2023
• Primary Completion: March 25, 2023
• Study Completion: May 30, 2023
• Last Updated: April 16, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP
• Time Frame: IPD will be available beginning 6 months after publication of the results and will be available for 5 years.

Locations

TU (1)