title: Immediate Effects of Neurodynamic Sliding versus Muscle Stretching on Hamstring Flexibility in Subjects with Short Hamstring Syndrome.
abstract: Background. Hamstring injuries continue to affect active individuals and although inadequate muscle extensibility remains a commonly accepted factor, little is known about the most effective method to improve flexibility. Purpose. To determine if an isolated neurodynamic sciatic sliding technique would improve hamstring flexibility to a greater degree than stretching or a placebo intervention in asymptomatic subjects with short hamstring syndrome (SHS). Study Design. Randomized double-blinded controlled trial. Methods. One hundred and twenty subjects with SHS were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: neurodynamic sliding, hamstring stretching, and placebo control. Each subject's dominant leg was measured for straight leg raise (SLR) range of motion (ROM) before and after interventions. Data were analyzed with a 3 × 2 mixed model ANOVA followed by simple main effects analyses. Results. At the end of the study, more ROM was observed in the Neurodynamic and Stretching groups compared to the Control group and more ROM in the Neurodynamic group compared to Stretching group. Conclusion. Findings suggest that a neurodynamic sliding technique will increase hamstring flexibility to a greater degree than static hamstring stretching in healthy subjects with SHS. Clinical Relevance. The use of neurodynamic sliding techniques to improve hamstring flexibility in sports may lead to a decreased incidence in injuries; however, this needs to be formally tested.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Avenida de las Fuerzas Armadas 2, 18014 Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Yolanda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Castellote-Caballero
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad de Granada, Avenida del Hospicio s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Maríe C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Valenza
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, P.O. Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3029, USA.
authors.forename: Emilio J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Puentedura
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Avenida de Atenas s/n, Alcorcon, 28922 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Universidad de Salamanca, Patio de Escuelas, 137008 Salamanca, Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alburquerque-Sendín