Acute Effects of Neurodynamic Stretching on Muscle-tendon Complex

Summary

Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are widely applied in rehabilitation and physiotherapy to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning and nerve flossing. They both involve proximal and distal joint movements to induce greater neural sliding while avoiding excessive tensile stress. However, contradictory findings on neurodynamic techniques highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding these techniques. Moreover, neurodynamic techniques are of interest for patients, it appeared it could also be applied in healthy individuals and more particularly in athletes. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two neurodynamic mobilization techniques (flossing vs. tensioning) on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE, a form of ultrasonography).

Conditions

• Stretching
• Control Condition

Interventions

OTHER

Maximal static stretching

Static stretching was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. Static stretching mainly focused muscle-tendon tissues.

OTHER

Submaximal static stretching

Static stretching was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. Static stretching mainly focused muscle-tendon tissues.

OTHER

Maximal neurodynamic tensioning

Neurodynamic tensioning was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Tensioning is maintaining the position.

OTHER

Submaximal neurodynamic tensioning

Neurodynamic tensioning was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Tensioning is maintaining the position.

OTHER

Maximal neurodynamic flossing

Neurodynamic flossing was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Flossing is the alternation of these movements every 2 seconds.

OTHER

Submaximal neurodynamic flossing

Neurodynamic flossing was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Flossing is the alternation of these movements every 2 seconds.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Burgundy

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Nicolas Babault, PhD · Universite Bourgogne Europe - Sport Science Faculty

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-09-01

Primary Completion

2024-05-20

Completion

2024-06-15

Countries

• France

Study Locations