IF: 1.90
Original Article

Effects of an Eight-Week Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching Intervention on Functional Movement Patterns in Female Basketball Players: Randomized Controlled Trial
Yusuf Gözaçık1, Hasan Aykut Aysan1
1.
School of Physical Education and Sports, Dicle University, Türkiye
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises on functional movement performance in female basketball players. Methods: A pre-test/post-test experimental design with intervention and control groups was used. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The experimental group performed PNF stretching exercises in addition to their regular training program, three days per week for eight weeks, while the control group continued with standard training only. Functional movement performance was assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), with individual FMS subtests analyzed, and all assessments were conducted by a blinded assessor. Results: Within-group improvements were observed in several FMS subtests in the experimental group (p < 0.05), particularly in measures related to lower-extremity stability, balance, and movement coordination, while no significant changes were found in the control group. Between-group comparisons of change scores (Δ post–pre) demonstrated significantly greater improvements in the experimental group for selected FMS subtests, indicating a beneficial effect of PNF stretching. Conclusion: PNF stretching exercises appear to be an effective method for enhancing specific components of functional movement performance in female basketball players. Incorporating PNF-based stretching into regular training programs may contribute to improvements in selected movement quality and performance outcomes.
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