In PNF stretching, what does CR stand for?

In PNF stretching, what does CR stand for?

• A. Contraction-Relaxation
• B. Contract-Rest
• C. Contract-Relax
• D. Cool-Relax

Answer: (C)

CR stands for Contract-Relax. In this PNF technique, you first perform a brief, maximal isometric contraction of the muscle you want to stretch against resistance, while it’s in a stretched position. After the contraction, you relax and the therapist gently moves into a deeper stretch. The contracting action engages autogenic inhibition via the Golgi tendon organs, which temporarily reduces resistance in the muscle and allows a greater range of motion than a passive stretch alone. This is why the sequence—contract then relax—defines the method. Other phrasings aren’t the standard name for this technique, and terms like “Cool-Relax” aren’t used.

CR stands for Contract-Relax. In this PNF technique, you first perform a brief, maximal isometric contraction of the muscle you want to stretch against resistance, while it’s in a stretched position. After the contraction, you relax and the therapist gently moves into a deeper stretch. The contracting action engages autogenic inhibition via the Golgi tendon organs, which temporarily reduces resistance in the muscle and allows a greater range of motion than a passive stretch alone. This is why the sequence—contract then relax—defines the method. Other phrasings aren’t the standard name for this technique, and terms like “Cool-Relax” aren’t used.