Comparison of the Effects of Myofascial Release Technique and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique on Maximal Strength and Physical Fitness Parameters

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to compare the effects of myofascial release and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises applied prior to resistance training on maximal strength and physical fitness parameters. The research group consisted of 24 males who continued regular exercise programs volunteered to participate in this study. At the end of the preliminary tests, in addition to resistance exercises which participants performed 3 days a week for 6 weeks, the SMR group performed SMR exercises, the PNF group performed PNF exercises, while the control group performed only resistance exercises. According to the results, two-way repeated measures (ANOVA) analysis was found suitable as a statistical procedure, and used to determine the effect rate of the groups over time (pre- and post-test).  When the results were examined, it was determined that the applied training methods did not show a statistically significant difference on body composition values within and between groups (p>0.05). In contrast, it was shown that there was a significant difference in the in-group values on upper body bench press maximal strength and lower body squat maximal strength (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups in all values(p>0.05). Hence, it can be stated that the applied training methods have a developmental effect within the groups, but do not show statistical significance between the groups. In conclusion, this study showed that application of SMR and PNF exercises in addition to resistance training has positive effects on maximum strength performance.