title: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Neurodynamic Sliders on Hamstring Responses in Footballers with Hamstring Tightness.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurodynamics intervention is known to increase apparent muscle extensibility, but information regarding hamstring responses after a neurodynamic sliders (NS) technique is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NS on apparent hamstring extensibility and activity in footballers with hamstring tightness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty eligible healthy male footballers with hamstring tightness were each randomly allocated to either a 4-week NS technique or a control group (CG) receiving placebo shortwave intervention. Knee extension angles were measured with the passive knee extension test, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of hamstrings was measured by a surface electromyography at baseline and after intervention sessions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that NS produced a statistically and clinically significant increase in knee extension angle compared to CG (P< 0.001); however, there was no difference between the groups receiving MVIC of hamstrings. Within group comparison, NS also provided a significant increase in knee extension angle (P< 0.001), whereas the control group did not. There was no change in hamstring MVIC in either group after intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study reveal that four weeks of NS technique improved apparent hamstring extensibility but did not change the hamstring activity in footballers with hamstring tightness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand 57100; Research Center of Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40002.
authors.forename: Pattanasin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Areeudomwong
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand 57100.
authors.forename: Ketsarakon
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oatyimprai
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand 57100.
authors.forename: Saranchana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pathumb
keywords: electromyography; flexibility; range of motion