How long should an isometric contraction be held during MET?

In Muscle Energy Technique (MET), isometric contractions are generally held for about 6 seconds. This duration is considered effective because it allows enough time for the muscle fibers to engage fully and for neuromuscular responses to occur, facilitating relaxation and stretching of the muscle afterward. When the contraction is held for this period, it enables the activation of the Golgi tendon organs, which helps in reducing muscle tension and promoting flexibility.

Holding the contraction for a shorter duration, such as 3 or 5 seconds, may not provide sufficient time for these neuromuscular reflexes to activate, thereby reducing the efficacy of the technique. On the other hand, holding the contraction for too long, such as 10 seconds, could lead to fatigue in the muscle being worked on, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the muscle energy technique and making it more difficult for the practitioner to implement the subsequent stretch. Therefore, the 6-second hold strikes an optimal balance in achieving the benefits intended through MET.