PNF stretching leverages neural circuits related to proprioception, which involves awareness of limb position through sensory feedback.

“So, PNF-type stretching leverages these sorts of mechanisms, these neural circuits, by way of, for instance, you would lie on your back and if your goal is to increase your hamstring flexibility and the flexibility and range of motion of other related muscle systems, you might put a strap around your ankle and pull that muscle. Or I should say, excuse me, that limb towards you, you're not going to pull the muscle towards you, you're going to pull that limb your ankle towards you to try and get it sort of back over your head. And then, progressively relaxing into that, or maybe even putting some additional force to push the end range of motion and then relaxing it.”