Acute Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Strength Ratio

NCT07589712 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2025/169
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 23
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to compare the acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and static stretching on hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratios in healthy young men. A randomized crossover design was used in which participants completed both stretching protocols on separate days. Isokinetic muscle strength and H/Q ratios were assessed following each intervention. The findings provide insight into the immediate effects of different stretching modalities on muscle balance and performance.

Conditions

Muscle Strength Development; Muscle Strength; Neuromuscular Function

Keywords

PNF stretching; Static stretching; Hamstring quadriceps ratio; Isokinetic strength; Acute effect

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Hamstring-to-Quadriceps (H/Q) Ratio

  Both traditional (Hcon/Qcon) and functional (Hecc/Qcon) ratios were calculated using isokinetic peak torque values.

  Immediately after intervention

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Quadriceps Concentric Peak Torque

  Immediately post-intervention

• Hamstring Concentric Peak Torque

  Immediately post-intervention

• Hamstring Eccentric Peak Torque

  Immediately post-intervention

Study Arms (2)

PNF Stretching

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed four repetitions of PNF stretching consisting of a 6-second isometric hamstring contraction at approximately 60% of maximal voluntary contraction followed by a 30-second passive stretch. Rest intervals were standardized.

Other: PNF Stretching; Other: Static Stretching

Static Stretching

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants performed four repetitions of static hamstring stretching, each lasting 30 seconds, with 30-second rest intervals between repetitions

Other: PNF Stretching; Other: Static Stretching

Interventions

PNF Stretching OTHER

Participants performed four repetitions of PNF stretching consisting of a 6-second isometric hamstring contraction at approximately 60% of maximal voluntary contraction followed by a 30-second passive stretch. Rest intervals were standardized.

PNF Stretching; Static Stretching

Static Stretching OTHER

Participants performed four repetitions of static hamstring stretching, each lasting 30 seconds, with 30-second rest intervals between repetitions.

PNF Stretching; Static Stretching

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age between 18 - 25 years, healthy male individuals
• Physically active (≥3 days/week, ≥30 min/day)

You may not qualify if:

• Musculoskeletal injury in the last 6 months
• Any neurological or orthopedic disorder

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gümüşhane Universıty: lead

Study Sites (1)

Gumushane Univetsity

Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, 29600, 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: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: ASSOC. PROF.

Model Details: Crossover Assignment

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 6, 2026
• First Posted: May 15, 2026
• Study Start: March 5, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 15, 2025
• Study Completion: April 20, 2025
• Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)