An investigation into the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching of Hamstring Muscles on the Lumbar Lordosis

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Jones Bethan. n.d. “An Investigation into the Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching of Hamstring Muscles on the Lumbar Lordosis.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed December 16, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/1771

Title: An investigation into the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching of Hamstring Muscles on the Lumbar Lordosis
Title: An investigation into the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching of Hamstring Muscles on the Lumbar Lordosis
Author(s): Jones Bethan
Abstract: Objectives: To discover if Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching to the hamstring muscles had an effect on the angle of lumbar lordosis. Methods: This experimental study used two groups of 20 participants. The lumbar lordosis was measured with a flexi-curve ruler and Sit and Reach test performed. Control Group 1 received soft tissue massage to the quadriceps and Experimental Group 2 received (PNF) stretching to the hamstrings. Lumbar lordosis and Sit and Reach were measured again. Results: No significant difference in the angle of lumbar lordosis was found in either group. Experimental Group 2 had a significantly greater increase (p0.001) in the Sit and Reach test than Control Group 1(p0.034). Conclusions: One session of PNF stretching was not enough to affect the angle of lumbar lordosis. Further research is needed to discover if long-term stretching can have an associated effect on lumbar lordosis or on the excitation of muscle fibres.
Abstract: Objectives: To discover if Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching to the hamstring muscles had an effect on the angle of lumbar lordosis. Methods: This experimental study used two groups of 20 participants. The lumbar lordosis was measured with a flexi-curve ruler and Sit and Reach test performed. Control Group 1 received soft tissue massage to the quadriceps and Experimental Group 2 received (PNF) stretching to the hamstrings. Lumbar lordosis and Sit and Reach were measured again. Results: No significant difference in the angle of lumbar lordosis was found in either group. Experimental Group 2 had a significantly greater increase (p0.001) in the Sit and Reach test than Control Group 1(p0.034). Conclusions: One session of PNF stretching was not enough to affect the angle of lumbar lordosis. Further research is needed to discover if long-term stretching can have an associated effect on lumbar lordosis or on the excitation of muscle fibres.
presented at: British School of Osteopathy
Date Accepted: 2011
Date Submitted: 3.2.2012 00:00:00
Type: osteo_thesis
Language: English
Pub-Identifier: 15065
Inst-Identifier: 780
Keywords: Stretching, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Lumbar lordosis, Sit and Reach, Flexicurve ruler, Soft Tissue Massage, Hamstrings
Recommended: 0

Item sets: Thesis