title: Effects of a Novel Neurodynamic Tension Technique on Muscle Extensibility and Stretch Tolerance: A Counterbalanced Crossover Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurodynamic tension affects hamstring extensibility and stretch tolerance and is considered important in hamstring injury management. Neurodynamic tension was postulated to affect segmental muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance and potentially also to demonstrate extrasegmental and contralateral effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effects of a novel sciatic-tibial neurodynamic tension technique, the modified long sit slump (MLSS), on segmental, extrasegmental, and contralateral muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Counterbalanced crossover study.
  
  
  METHODS
  University research laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  13 healthy and active subjects (mean ± SD age 24 ± 8 y; BMI, 23.1 ± 2.8 kg/m2).
  
  
  METHODS
  MLSS application (5 s, 5 repetitions, 3 sets) on 2 occasions with a 3-wk washout period, and either stance- or skill-leg treated in a counterbalanced manner.
  
  
  METHODS
  Segmental and extrasegmental muscle extensibility was measured using passive straight-leg raise (PSLR) and prone knee bend (PKB) at pre-, immediately post-, and 1 h postintervention. Stretch-intensity ratings were measured using a simple numerical rating scale (SNRS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  MLSS significantly increased PSLR and PKB bilaterally (P < .001). The effect for PSLR was greater in the ipsilateral leg compared to the contralateral leg (baseline to 1 h post: +9° ± 6° and +5° ± 5°, respectively, P < .001) but not for PKB (baseline to 1 h post: ipsilateral leg +5° ± 5°, contralateral leg +5° ±  4°). For both PSLR and PKB the effect of the first session was retained at the start of the second session 3 wk later. SNRS data were consistent with increased stretch tolerance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of a novel sciatic-tibial neurodynamic tension technique, the MLSS, increases muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance segmentally, extrasegmentally and contralaterally.
  
  
  METHODS
  2C outcomes research.
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pietrzak
authors.forename: Niels B J
authors.initials: NBJ
authors.lastname: Vollaard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D000070633:Hamstring Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: flexibility; hamstrings; neurodynamics; neuronal desensitization; stretching