This potentially explains part of what is happening during the CRAC method of PNF. In the CRAC method, the contracting muscle in the
“antagonist-contract” portion of the technique, brings about this reflex and inhibits the TM. This inhibition of the TM, along with the shortening contraction of the antagonist muscle, allows the muscle fibers of the TM to elongate even further, creating a greater stretching force for the TM and producing a larger inhibitory influence on the TM