Lane BA, Hunt GC, Lilly D; Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO. sealed @backpacker.com.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two PNF stretching techniques; autogenic (direct) and reciprocal inhibition (indirect). Both techniques are used frequently to increase muscle length. However, research has been limited and inconclusive as to which technique is more beneficial. SUBJECT: The subject was a 28 y/o male with tightness of the right pectoralis minor muscle with an associated forward shoulder posture. METHODS: A single subject alternating A-B-A-C design was used. Data were gathered using the 6D-RESEARCH (Skill Technologies) Electromagnetic Tracking System. Sensors were placed on the following areas: 1) spinous process of C7, a stable reference landmark to examine scapular position and motion, 2) the superior flat surface of the acromion process of the scapula, and 3) the lateral surface of the humerus. Pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment (intervention) data were collected in the supine position. Direct and indirect techniques were administered on alternating and non-consecutive days totaling four days per intervention. ANALYSIS: The dependent variables included 1) scapular anterior/posterior position (cm) and 2) scapular motion around "x" (posterior/anterior), "y" (downward/upward), and "z" (internal/external) axes. Data were compared visually across all trials and analyzed using a Mean +/- 2 SD, Split Middle Celeration Line and a C-statistic. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between autogenic (direct) and reciprocal inhibition (indirect) stretching techniques in either scapular position or motion for this subject. Although not statistically significant, the indirect method seemed to allow more external rotation of the scapula when compared to the direct method. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this patient, the use of direct or indirect treatment effectiveness is still inconclusive. However the finding of no significance for this subject may have been due to connective tissue tightness rather than increased muscular tone. Further studies to classify motion restriction due to connective tissue tightness versus increased muscle tone may more clearly identify appropriate treatment selection. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

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