PNF training

Role of proprioceptors in PNF training

• Proprioceptor - These are receptors sensitive to position and movement of muscles.

• Muscle spindle apparatus - Located between the muscle and the tendon to detect the level of tension in a muscle to prevent tearing the tendon.

• Golgi Tendon Organ - Located between muscle fibres to detect how far and how fast the muscle is lengthening/stretching.

The process of PNF training

• Passive stretch - Muscle Spindles detect the stretch in the muscles.

• Isometric contraction - GTO’s detect tension in the muscles.

• Relaxation - Autogenic inhibition (where there is a sudden relaxation of the muscle in response to high tension.

• Second passive stretch - The muscle will stretch further.