Applying proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching: optimal contraction intensity to attain the maximum increase in range of motion in young males

[Purpose] Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching is known to be effective in increasing joint ROM. The PNF stretching technique first induces an isometric contraction in the muscles to be stretched, but no agreement concerning the optimal contraction intensity has yet been reached. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of contraction intensity on ROM while applying PNF stretching. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty male subjects were randomly assigned to one of four groups (three experimental groups and one control group). Each experimental group applied one of three contraction intensities (100%, 60%, and 20%) defined by the MVIC ratio, and the control group did not receive any intervention during the experiment. PNF stretching was applied to left knee extensors to compare changes in the knee joint flexion angle. [Results] The results showed that the changes in ROM were larger for the 60% and 100% groups compared with the 20% group. The changes in ROM were lowest in the control group. [Conclusion] The present results indicate that while applying the PNF stretching, it is not necessary to apply the maximum intensity of muscle contraction. Moderate isometric contraction intensities may be optimal for healthy young males, while a sufficient effect can be obtained even with a low contraction intensity.