Renders, AnnePeeters, NicolasFrançois, NicolasNicolasFrançoisMevel, ArnaudArnaudMevel2025-05-142025-05-142025-05-142021https://hdl.handle.net/2078.2/22913Purpose: To investigate the relationship between triceps surae proprioceptive neuro-facilitation (PNF) stretching and dynamic balance in pubertal growth using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) following acute and chronic exposure. Design and intervention: 12 male hockey players (mean age 13.4 years ± 0.5) participated in this pilot study. 6 of them were assigned to a control group. The others were administered a 3-week PNF intensive stretching regimen targeting both triceps surae. Main outcome: The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Results: A single dose of calf PNF stretching significantly improved score on the SEBT for the anteromedial reaching direction performed on the dominant foot, and a 3-week exposure had no significant effect on SEBT outcomes. Conclusion: Further research at a larger scale is needed to address study limitations and confirm acute and chronic observations, in an effort to provide a higher level of clinical confidence in a context of youth injury prevention.stretchingtriceps suraeSEBTdynamic balanceadolescentproprioceptiontext::thesis::master thesisthesis:29002