Pnf Clinical Synthesis Assignment

Clinical Synthesis Mid-term Assignment There are many thoughts on the various types of stretching used in an Athletic Training environment. Often people are attached to one method or another based on what their personal experience has been. With all of the various methods I began to wonder what makes Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) so special; why is it that in every clinic where I have spent time, PNF is the preferred method. Furthermore if it is used so frequently is it a matter of personal preference or is there research to back up its effectiveness. Because of these questions I chose to find the answers to the question, “Does the use of PNF on lower extremity injuries increase tissue extensibility?” It is critical for a healthy athlete to have a balanced program of exercise including strength, stability and flexibility. If any of these areas are lacking it is possible to develop various injuries or deficiencies in the body. One of the many roles of an Athletic Trainer is to work with the athlete to maintain this program before, during and after an injury occurs. An important part of any program is stretching, and stretching correctly so the maximum benefits are provided to the athlete’s body. We need to know what type of stretching will best benefit the particular situation that we are faced with as well as why we are making that choice. PNF is a style of stretching, with multiple variations, that is frequently used in maintenance and rehabilitation settings. We will look into various research studies in order to determine if this method of stretching really works or if it is just a personal preference of some Athletic Trainers. I looked at three studies related to PNF stretching, each with slightly different objectives such as its contralateral effects, different intensities of PNF and the differences if can make after a single session. As a whole there was a significant improvement in tissue extensibility and increased range

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