Background. Hamstring injuries continue to affect active individuals and although inadequate muscle extensibility remains a\ncommonly accepted factor, little is known about the most effective method to improve flexibility. Purpose. To determine if an\nisolated neurodynamic sciatic sliding technique would improve hamstring flexibility to a greater degree than stretching or a placebo\nintervention in asymptomatic subjects with short hamstring syndrome (SHS). StudyDesign.Randomized double-blinded controlled\ntrial. Methods. One hundred and twenty subjects with SHS were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: neurodynamic sliding, hamstring\nstretching, and placebo control. Each subjectââ?¬â?¢s dominant leg was measured for straight leg raise (SLR) range ofmotion (ROM) before\nand after interventions. Data were analyzed with a 3 Ã?â?? 2 mixed model ANOVA followed by simple main effects analyses. Results.\nAt the end of the study, more ROM was observed in the Neurodynamic and Stretching groups compared to the Control group and\nmore ROM in the Neurodynamic group compared to Stretching group. Conclusion. Findings suggest that a neurodynamic sliding\ntechnique will increase hamstring flexibility to a greater degree than static hamstring stretching in healthy subjects with SHS.\nClinical Relevance.The use of neurodynamic sliding techniques to improve hamstring flexibility in sports may lead to a decreased\nincidence in injuries; however, this needs to be formally tested.
Loading....