Abstract
Hamstring flexibility plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of Wushu athletes and can increase their chances of success at both national and international levels. Aim: The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) training program, with and without myofascial release(MR), on hamstring flexibility, range of motion(ROM), and the performance of the Knee and Hip joints in male Wushu athletes. Methodology:  The study sample consisted of 36 Wushu athletes, aged between 18 and 38 years, who were purposively and randomly divided into three groups of 12 participants: a PNF stretching training group with myofascial release, a PNF stretching training group without myofascial release, and a control group. All participants followed the training protocol for 6 weeks, and at the end, a final test was conducted on all groups.hamstring flexibility was evaluate with the AKE 90-90 test, hip flexion ROM with a goniometer, and the function of knee and hip joints was performed with Sargent's jump. Results: The results of the statistical analysis using repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that the effect of PNF stretching with release on hamstring muscle flexibility was significant (α = 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the PNF group with and without MR in terms of increased hamstring flexibility and hip flexion ROM (P>0.05). Also, knee and hip joints performance did not show any significant change from pre-test to post-test. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be recommended to wushu players to use PNF stretching with MR to increase hamstring muscle flexibility.