Which procedure involves an initial passive stretch, then a ~6-second isometric activation, then concentric contraction with light resistance to reach a neutral resting position?

• A. Contract relax procedure
• B. Hold relax stretching technique
• C. PNF hold relax stretching technique
• D. Post contraction inhibition

Answer: (A)

This sequence is a contract-relax technique. It begins with a passive stretch to the end range, then a brief isometric contraction of the target muscle (about six seconds) to trigger autogenic inhibition, which allows the muscle to lengthen more easily. After the hold, the muscle relaxes and you move into a new, greater length, finishing with a light concentric contraction to guide the limb into a neutral resting position. The final active, concentric step helps reinforce the new length and position.

Hold-relax would typically end with a passive stretch rather than an active concentric contraction to neutral. Post-contraction inhibition focuses on the isometric hold and subsequent stretch without the added concentric contraction to settle at neutral. The described sequence best fits contract-relax.