Which technique uses the muscle's own energy via gentle isometric contractions to lengthen a muscle by exploiting autogenic and reciprocal inhibition?

• A. Active Isolated Stretching
• B. MET
• C. RI
• D. PIR

Answer: (B)

This question tests a technique that leverages the body's own energy to lengthen a muscle by using gentle isometric contractions and reflexes. In Muscle Energy Technique, the patient actively contracts the target muscle against light resistance for a brief moment, then relaxes. As the muscle relaxes, it can be lengthened a bit further, and the process is repeated to gradually increase length.

The key ideas are autogenic inhibition (the Golgi tendon organs cause the same contracting muscle to relax after its brief isometric contraction) and reciprocal inhibition (the opposing muscle is relaxed to allow more stretch). Because this approach relies on the muscle’s own energy and a controlled isometric contraction to trigger those reflexes, it best fits the description.

Active Isolated Stretching works with short, active movements rather than true isometric holds against resistance. The term Reciprocal Inhibition describes a reflex principle used in some stretches but isn’t a standalone technique defined by this isometric, energy-based approach. Post-Isometric Relaxation also involves an isometric hold but is framed differently and doesn’t emphasize the same muscle-energy mechanism as MET.