## 4 Discussion
Although the neural techniques used in these studies differ from the neural load stretching employed in our research, both share a commonality in terms of engaging neural tissue, allowing for a comparison between the results. These improvements could be attributed to an increased tolerance to stretching and changes in the viscoelastic properties of the muscular connective tissues in both groups, as well as a possible reduction in the mechanosensitivity of the neural tissues in the neural load stretching group. Future research could benefit from including a third group practicing neurodynamic techniques to explore the relationship between these techniques and neural load stretching. Nevertheless, our results do not align with those of [PERSON] et al. [14], who reported that adding neural tension to a passive hamstring stretch did not affect flexibility compared with a passive stretch, as both groups increased the ROM by 11%. A possible explanation for this discrepancy could be the different positioning used in their study, where neural tension stretches were performed in a slump test position. This position, which applies more stress to the entire neuraxis, may have led to increased resistance from the neural and surrounding tissues. Furthermore, the stretches were performed to the point of maximum tolerance, while in our study, stretches were performed until the participant reported discomfort. Additionally, their sample consisted of 11 participants. Finally, [PERSON] et al. [40] found no difference between a neurodynamic group and the control group after the intervention, suggesting that the increase in ROM was due to the test itself. Stretching is a mechanical stimulation method that activates the descending inhibitory pain systems, playing a significant role in physical activities. Accordingly, another objective of this study was to assess which type of stretching is more effective in increasing the pressure pain threshold. Concerning pain, although both groups improved and the neural load stretching group showed greater improvements in the pressure pain threshold at all measured times, none of the changes reached significance. The study by [PERSON] et al. [27] demonstrated that hamstring stretching induces an immediate analgesic effect, significantly increasing pressure pain thresholds in healthy individuals compared to a control group. However, this study did not examine the effects of neural load stretching versus stretching without neural load on pain. Moreover, while the aforementioned study measured the pressure pain threshold in the upper trapezius and masseter muscles, we focused on the tibial nerve. In contrast, the research by [PERSON] et al. [41] investigated the immediate analgesic effects of neural sliders versus neural stretching, finding significant differences in pain levels compared to a control group, but no significant difference between the two neural techniques. Notably, the group performing neural sliders experienced analgesic effects in more areas of the body than the neural stretching group. Finally, [PERSON] et al. [42] also found that neural mobilizations improved the mechanosensitivity of the median nerve. A factor that could potentially impair sports performance is stretch-induced strength loss. Given the relevance of understanding how stretching with or without neural load affects strength, we also examined maximal isometric hamstring strength as part of this study. Regarding strength, our results showed greater improvements in the maximum isometric hamstring strength for the neural load stretching group after the intervention, as some of these improvements were maintained after the one-month follow-up point. Nevertheless, these improvements did not reach significance. Our results are similar to those of [PERSON] et al. [21], as they did not find significant changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction after 4 weeks of neurodynamic sliders or placebo. Nevertheless, [PERSON] et al.