Effectiveness of a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation

Introduction: Paddle tennis is a popular sport which can cause lower limb injuries due to impaired flexibility, such as ankle dorsiflexion. To improve this, methods such as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), eccentric exercises and electrical stimulation (NMES) can be used. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a PNF program with one of eccentric exercise plus NMES in the weight bearing lunge, lateral step down and drop jump test in amateur paddle tennis players. Methods: Pilot randomized clinical trial involving 20 male amateur paddle tennis players. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of ten. One group received a PNF protocol, while the another group was given an Eccentric+ NMES exercise protocol. During the study, range of dorsal ankle flexion (ROMDf) was measured, as well as the vertical jump and lateral step down capacity of the participants.