Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding Versus Eccentric Training on Lower Extremity Function, Strength and Proprioception in Athletes with Short Hamstring Syndrome.

Summary

Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in field sports, accounting for 10% of all team sports injuries and often leading to long-term absence from activities. Risk factors include older age, previous injuries, reduced flexibility, and strength deficits. The hamstrings play a critical role in dynamic stability and joint preservation, particularly for the hip and knee. While stretching is crucial for injury prevention, there is debate over optimal techniques.

The neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) and eccentric training (ET) are two methods that can improve flexibility and reduce injury risk. This study uniquely combines ET with NST to address hamstring tightness in athletes, aiming to evaluate their effects individually and in combination on knee muscle strength, range of motion, proprioception, and lower limb function compared to a control group.

The hypotheses examine whether these interventions differ in their impact on eccentric and concentric knee strength, the knee flexor/extensor strength ratio, range of motion, proprioception, and dynamic balance (measured via the Y Balance Test). The null hypothesis (H0) proposes no differences, while the alternative hypothesis (H1) suggests significant differences among the intervention methods.

Conditions

• Hamstring Tightness
• Hamstring Injury Prevention

Interventions

OTHER

Neurodynamics

Following Castellote-Caballero et al., the neurodynamic sliding technique (NST) was applied to the dominant leg's sciatic nerve in the NST and ETNST groups. The technique involves alternating stress proximally and distally to promote nerve sliding. Participants performed two sets of movements-cervical flexion with knee and ankle flexion, and cervical extension with knee and ankle extension-repeated actively for 60 seconds, five times per session. Over six weeks, both groups underwent three supervised sessions per week led by an experienced researcher.

OTHER

Eccentric training

The Nordic exercise served as the foundation for the intervention, focusing on eccentric loading as participants resisted falling forward. To minimize DOMS and ensure adherence, a two-week preparatory phase of mixed concentric/eccentric leg curls using a stability ball was implemented. Following this, the gradual progression outlined by Mjolsnes et al. led to a four-week Nordic hamstring curl regimen. Weekly supervision ensured proper technique and compliance throughout the program.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Yeditepe University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Elif Tuğçe ÇİL, Assistant Prof. Dr. · Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation department, Yeditepe University, istanbul, Turkey

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

30 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-08-04

Primary Completion

2023-12-01

Completion

2024-10-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations