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

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Motor Performance; Stretching; Anaerobic Power; Flexibility

• Registration Number: NCT06921772
• Lead Sponsor: Zarife Pancar

Brief Summary

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.

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 Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-01-20
• Primary Completion: 2023-03-25
• Study Completion: 2023-05-30
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-11
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-16

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 18

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 & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Anaerobic Power (Margaria-Kalamen Test)	Baseline and after 6-week intervention	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.
Hamstring Flexibility (Sit-and-Reach Test)	Baseline and after 6-week intervention	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.
Static Balance Performance	Baseline and after 6-week intervention	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.
Sprint Performance (20-m Sprint Test)	Baseline and after 6-week intervention	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.
Upper Body Endurance (Push-Up Test)	Baseline and after 6-week intervention	Upper body muscular endurance will be evaluated by counting the number of push-ups performed within 30 seconds.
Core Endurance (Crunch Test)	Baseline and after 6-week intervention	Core endurance will be assessed by counting the number of crunches a participant can perform in 30 seconds.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences; 🇹🇷 Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, Turkey