What type of stretching involves contracting a muscle prior to stretching it?

• A. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
• B. Static Stretching
• C. Ballistic Stretching
• D. Dynamic Stretching

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the different types of stretching techniques mentioned in the problem: Static Stretching, Ballistic Stretching, Dynamic Stretching, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF).
2. Static Stretching involves holding a stretch in a comfortable position for a period of time without movement. It does not involve muscle contraction prior to stretching.
3. Ballistic Stretching uses bouncing movements to push the body beyond its normal range of motion. It does not involve a pre-stretch muscle contraction.
4. Dynamic Stretching involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. It is typically used as a warm-up and does not involve pre-stretch muscle contraction.
5. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a technique that involves contracting a muscle before stretching it. This method uses both stretching and contracting of the muscle group being targeted, making it the correct answer to the problem.