| This
study examined the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
(PNF) coupled with an internal mental imagery technique (PNFI) on
both the attainment and retention of increased range-of-movement (ROM)
at the hip joint. Twenty-four young adult subjects were randomly allocated
to PNF, PNFI, and control treatments administered in fifteen sessions
over a three-week period. ROM was assessed prior to training then
at the completion of sessions 1 day, 3, 7, and 14 during training,
then 28 days after program completion. Analysis-of-Variance with repeated
measures showed both significant treatment (p < 0.01) and time
effects (p < 0.05). Mean change of ROM values were always larger
under the PNFI condition and significantly different (p < 0.05)
at day 1 and 3 following training program completion. Thereafter,
the diminution of ROM was comparable to the PNF condition. Mean ROM
increment relative to baseline was 7.55 and 9.45 degrees for PNF and
PNFI respectively receding to 5.86 and 6.5 degrees at twenty-eight
days following treatment cessation. Motor imagery coupled with PNF
to enhance and retain ROM yields superior results to physical training
used alone and can benefit both athletes and those undergoing rehabilitation.
KEY
WORDS: Mental and physical practice, flexibility training.
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