Comparison of Active, Passive, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching for Improving Glenohumeral Internal Rotation

The purpose of this study was to compare the eff ectiveness of active, passive, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching techniques on improving internal rotation of the shoulder in asymptomatic individuals. From a convenience sample of college students, including individuals on a particular athletic team, 42 asymptomatic individuals volunteered to participate. A stretching intervention was implemented during which participants performed 3 shoulder stretches by either passive, active, or PNF techniques. The results revealed signifi cant diff erences in range of motion (ROM) over time for internal rotation among the diff erent stretching protocols (P � .01). However, the stretching protocol implemented, whether passive, active, or PNF, did not signifi cantly aff ect ROM for internal rotation. The current fi ndings revealed that active, passive, and PNF stretching over time can elicit increases in internal rotation within the glenohumeral joint, and these changes are apparent after 1 week of stretching intervention.