The Influence of Selected PNF Patterns on Kinaesthetic Force Differentiation Ability in Young Football Players

Introduction
The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) method provides a full range of therapeutic patterns which thoroughly reproduce individual, football-related motions.

Objective
To verify the hypothesis concerning the PNF method exerting a favorable influence on selected motor abilities in young football players

Material and methods
A group of 14- to 15-year-old football players from the SA Zagłębie Sosnowiec Sports Club was involved. Initial measurements were taken after the final stage of the league games. The experimental group had its training programme enriched by selected PNF method techniques. After the completion of the 6-month training programme, the players were subjected to the final series of measurements. By that time, each person in the experimental group had taken part in 30 15-min-long PNF training sessions, which were conducted 2 times a week in the following order: pelvic patterns, trunk patterns, unilateral lower limb patterns, and symmetric reciprocal lower limb patterns. The sequences were executed bilaterally with 6 repetitions each. The total duration of a single PNF session was around 15 min.

Results
The maximal isometric torque produced by the flexor and extensor muscles was enhanced in both groups for both lower extremities; however, a greater in the experimental group. For extension, the difference between the initial and final outcomes accounted for 17.2% on the right and 16% on the left side of the body. For flexion, we observed differences of 44.7% and 35.3%, respectively. In the control group, these differences were considerably smaller. Also, a great im- provement of the kinaesthetic force differentiation ability was noticed in the experimental group. The absolute error for extension was lessened by 75.8% on the right side and 74.9% on the left side. Similarly, the absolute error for flexion was decreased: 61.1% on the right and 57.3% on the left side. The corresponding values were significantly smaller in the control group. The ability of explosive force differentiation proved to be better in the experimental group after the six-month training regimen. The absolute error decreased by 52.3%, while in the control group, its reduction was only half as significant (26.5%).

Conclusions
The kinaesthetic force differentiation ability was improved in the case of the laboratory tests but not in the specific tests. The PNF techniques influenced the level of conditional motor abilities as well.