Comparison of the effects of myofascial relaxation technique and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on maximal strength and physical fitness parameters

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. Participants were divided into three groups: SMR group (n = 8), PNF group (n = 8) and control group (n = 8). Height, body weight, body fat ratio tests were applied to the participants to evaluate their body composition, and bench press and squat maximal strength tests were applied to evaluate their sports performance. 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. The data obtained from the post-tests at the end of the research were evaluated using the SPSS 25.0 package program. Parametric and nonparametric distribution conditions, distribution curves and skewness and kurtosis values of the participants' pre-posttest measurement scores were examined. 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.