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

NCT ID: NCT06921772

Last Updated: 2025-04-16

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 18 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-01-20
• Study Completion Date: 2023-05-30

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.

Detailed Description

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a six-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching intervention on motor performance in adolescent male volleyball players. A total of 18 participants with at least 6 months of volleyball training experience were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=9) and the control group (n=9). The experimental group received PNF stretching exercises in addition to their routine training three times per week for six weeks, while the control group continued only with their routine training.

The main outcome measures were anaerobic power (Margaria-Kalamen Test), flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test), balance (Flamingo Balance Test), speed (20 m sprint), upper body strength (Push-up Test), and core strength (Crunch Test). Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on flexibility and functional performance development in adolescent athletes and aims to support evidence-based training practices in sports sciences.

Conditions

Motor Performance; Anaerobic Power; Flexibility; Stretching

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

PNF Stretching Group

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

PNF Stretching Exercise

Intervention Type: 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.

Control Group

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

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

PNF Stretching Exercise

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.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• 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)

Exclusion Criteria

• 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

• Minimum Eligible Age: 15 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 17 Years
• Eligible Sex: MALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Zarife Pancar

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Zarife Pancar

Associate Professor

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-05

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id