Maximum repetition performance after proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation applied on agonist and antagonist muscles

Abstract

Introduction: Preliminary evidence suggests that stretching can negatively impact the repetition maximum performance. Objective: To compare the repetition maximum performance during lying leg curl after proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on agonist and antagonist muscles. Methods: Twenty trained women (21 ± 2.32 years) participated in the current study. Firstly, the ten repetitions maximum (RM) test and retest was performed for lying leg curls. Secondly, three protocols were applied: a) traditional protocol (TP) – without previous stretching; b) FNPA – PNF applied in antagonist muscles (knee extensors); c) FNPAT – PNF applied in agonist muscles (knee flexors). During each protocol a set repetition to failure was performed (10RM loads). Results: The number of repetitions performed in FNPAT (14.35 ± 1.23) was significantly higher compared to FNPA (11.55 ± 1.39) and PT (9.8 ± 1.2). Conclusion: The FNP applied in the knee extensors (antagonists) caused a significant increase in performance of the leg curl repetitions maximum (agonists).