Neurodynamic Sliders Promote Flexibility in Tight Hamstring Syndrome

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this study is to explore the intervention effect of home-based neurodynamic slider program on hamstring flexibility. Fifty physically active male subjects will be randomly assigned to either performing a neurodynamic sliding technique (3x20 reps) or a static stretching protocol (3x30) on a daily basis for a 6-week period. Hamstring flexibility will be assessed by means of the Straight Leg Raise at baseline, immediately after the intervention and after 4 weeks follow up.

Official Title
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Neurodynamic Sliders Promote Flexibility in Tight Hamstring Syndrome

Conditions
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Hamstring Injury, Neurodynamics, Range of Motion

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Neurodynamics
* Other: Static stretch


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: male aged between 18-30yrs recreationally/competitively active limited hamstring flexibility (Tight Hamstring Syndrome) (SLR≤75°) Exclusion Criteria: a history of any musculotendinous hamstring injury in the previous year a history of neurological or orthopedic disorder affecting the lower extremities a history of lumbar disc herniation; or (4) a history of a cervical whiplash injury
Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Neurodynamics<br> | Other: Neurodynamics<br>* Subjects in the neurodynamic group performed the 'Seated Straight Leg Slider' (SSLS) (Fig.1). To execute this sliding technique, subjects assumed a seated slump position (thoracic and lumbar flexion) which they needed to maintain throughout the exercise. This SSLS consisted of alternating movements towards knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion (increase of neural tension) combined with cervical extension (decrease of neural tension) on one hand, and knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion (decrease neural tension) combined with cervical flexion (increase of neural tension) on the other. During this 6-week period, each subject in this neurodynamic slider group was instructed to perform 3 sets of 20 repetitions on a daily basis for 6 weeks.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Static stretch<br> | Other: Static stretch<br>* Subjects in the control group were instructed to perform a standard standing static stretch with the heel of the dominant leg taking support on a chair. Then they had to move the pelvis into anteversion, simultaneously inducing a forward lean of the trunk, until the clear sensation of hamstring stretch was perceived at the posterior aspect of the thigh. Again, the execution of the exercise was thoroughly explained and evaluated by the researchers and subjects sent home with a comprehensive instruction guide and supporting pictures. Each subject was instructed to do 3 repetitions of 30 second static stretches on a daily basis during the 6-week intervention.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hamstring flexibility | Straight leg raise by means of an app based goniometer | at Baseline | 
| Hamstring flexibility | Straight leg raise by means of an app based goniometer | 6 weeks after intervention | 
| Hamstring flexibility | Straight leg raise by means of an app based goniometer | 4 weeks after retention period |