title: Comparison of the effects of hamstring stretching using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with prior application of cryotherapy or ultrasound therapy.
abstract: [Purpose] Stretching using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation involve physiological reflex mechanisms through submaximal contraction of agonists which activate Golgi organ, promoting the relaxation reflex. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation alone and with prior application of cryotherapy and thermotherapy on hamstring stretching. [Subjects and Methods] The sample comprised of 32 young subjects with hamstring retraction of the right limb. The subjects were randomly allocated to four groups: the control, flexibility PNF, flexibility PNF associated with cryotherapy, flexibility PNF in association with ultrasound therapy. [Results] After 12 stretching sessions, experimental groups showed significant improvements compared to the control group. Moreover, we did not find any significant differences among the experimental groups indicating PNF stretching alone elicits similar results to PNF stretching with prior administration of cryotherapy or thermotherapy. [Conclusion] PNF without other therapy may be a more practical and less expensive choice for clinical care.
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Brazil ; Biotecnology Master Program (UFPI), Brazil.
authors.forename: Francisco Elezier Xavier
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Brazil.
authors.forename: Arlindo Rodrigues de Mesquita
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Junior
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Brazil.
authors.forename: Harnold's Tyson de Sousa
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Meneses
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Brazil ; Biomedical Sciences Master Program (UFPI), Brazil ; Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Brazil.
authors.forename: Rayele Pricila
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Moreira Dos Santos
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Brazil ; Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Brazil.
authors.forename: Ezaine Costa
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.affiliation: Research Group in Physical Therapy Evaluative and Therapeutic- GPFAT, Research Laboratory of Physical Therapy Evaluative and Therapeutic - LaFAT, Brazil.
authors.forename: Samara Sousa Vasconcelos
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Gouveia
authors.affiliation: Research Group in Physical Therapy Evaluative and Therapeutic- GPFAT, Research Laboratory of Physical Therapy Evaluative and Therapeutic - LaFAT, Brazil.
authors.forename: Guilherme Pertinni de Morais
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Gouveia
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Federal Fluminense University (UFF), Brazil ; Rehabilitation Science Master Program, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Brazil.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Orsini
authors.affiliation: Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Brazil ; Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Brazil.
authors.forename: Victor Hugo do Vale
authors.initials: VH
authors.lastname: Bastos
authors.affiliation: Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory (LAMCEF/UFPI), Brazil ; Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), Brazil.
authors.forename: Dionis de Castro Dutra
authors.initials: Dde C
authors.lastname: Machado
keywords: Cryotherapy; Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; Thermotherapy