Purpose. To examine the effects of static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching of the shoulder internal\nrotators on throwing velocity. Subjects. 27 male throwers (mean age = 25.1 years old, SD= 2.4) with adequate knowledge of\ndemonstrable throwing mechanics. Study Design. Randomized crossover trial with repeated measures. Methods. Subjects warmed\nup, threw 10 pitches at their maximum velocity, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 stretching protocols (static, PNF, or no stretch),\nand then repeated their 10 pitches. Velocities were recorded after each pitch and average and peak velocities were recorded after\neach session. Results. Data were analyzed using a 3 Ã?â?? 2 repeated measures ANOVA. No significant interaction between stretching\nand throwing velocity was observed. Main effects for time were not statistically significant. Main effects for the stretching groups\nwere statistically significant. Discussion. Results suggest that stretching of the shoulder internal rotators did not significantly affect\nthrowing velocity immediately after stretching. This may be due to the complexity of the throwing task. Conclusions. Stretching\nmay be included in a throwerââ?¬â?¢s warm-up without any effects on throwing velocity. Further research should be performed using a\npopulation with more throwing experience and skill.
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