THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT JOINT INTERVENTIONS ON THE RANGE OF MOVEMENT AT A JOINT

Twenty students of physical education were selected for their supplene ss or stiffness. Each was issued with an individual intervention progr amme designed in an attempt to modify their range of movement (ROM). S upple joints were targeted with exercises concentrating on 'active' fl exibility and strength, whereas individuals with stiff joints complete d static stretching and some proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). It was concluded that static stretches significantly increase the passive ROM, particularly at the ball and socket joints (p < 0.01) . Active PNF was preferential for developing both the active and passi ve ranges. Strengthening exercises were found to stabilize the joints by increasing the active ROM thus reducing the difference between the active and passive ranges. However, the stabilizing exercises did not significantly reduce the passive scores. It is suggested that in order to do this, the subjects should have refrained totally from any stret ching exercises.