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

The Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching Exercises on Anaerobic Power and Motor Performance in Adolescent Male Volleyball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Motor Performance; Flexibility; Stretching; Anaerobic Power
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: PNF Stretching Exercise

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.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 18
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey
  • Şehitkamil
    • Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, Turkey, 27350
      • Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: 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.	Behavioral: 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.
No Intervention: Control Group; Participants in this group continued with their regular volleyball training without any additional intervention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Anaerobic Power (Margaria-Kalamen Test)	Anaerobic power will be evaluated using the Margaria-Kalamen test, which measures power output based on the time taken to run up a staircase. The test will be conducted at baseline and after 6 weeks.	Baseline and after 6-week intervention
Hamstring Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)	Hamstring flexibility will be measured with the Sit-and-Reach test. Participants sit on the floor with legs extended and reach forward. The distance reached is recorded in centimeters.	Baseline and after 6-week intervention
Static Balance Performance	Static balance will be measured by having participants stand on one leg for a defined duration without support. Performance will be evaluated based on duration of balance and postural stability.	Baseline and after 6-week intervention
Sprint Performance (20-m Sprint Test)	Speed performance will be measured using the 20-meter sprint test. Participants will run 20 meters at maximal effort, and the time taken will be recorded in seconds.	Baseline and after 6-week intervention
Upper Body Endurance (Push-Up Test)	Upper body muscular endurance will be evaluated by counting the number of push-ups performed within 30 seconds.	Baseline and after 6-week intervention
Core Endurance (Crunch Test)	Core endurance will be assessed by counting the number of crunches a participant can perform in 30 seconds.	Baseline and after 6-week intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Zarife Pancar

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): January 20, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 25, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): May 30, 2023

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 3, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 3, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): April 10, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): April 16, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 11, 2025
• Last Verified: April 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Exercise Intervention; Volleyball; PNF Stretching; Adolescent Athletes
• Other Study ID Numbers: GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-05

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data (IPD) will be shared in an anonymized format. No personally identifiable information will be included. Data will be limited to outcome measures and relevant variables necessary for reproducibility and secondary analyses by qualified researchers upon reasonable request.
• IPD Sharing Time Frame: IPD will be available beginning 6 months after publication of the results and will be available for 5 years.
• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL; SAP

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No