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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-09-2020 | Original Article

Immediate effects of neurodynamic nerve gliding versus static stretching on hamstring neuromechanical properties

Authors: Danguole Satkunskiene, Ra’ad M. Khair, Pornpimol Muanjai, Mantas Mickevicius, Sigitas Kamandulis

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 9/2020

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated the immediate effects of neurodynamic nerve gliding (ND) on hamstring flexibility, viscoelasticity, and mechanosensitivity, compared with traditional static stretching (ST).

Methods

Twenty-two physically active men aged 21.9 ± 1.9 years were divided randomly into two equal intervention groups using ST or ND. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the active knee joint position sense, perform passive knee extension, record the passive extension range of motion (ROM) and the passive-resistive torque of hamstrings. Stiffness was determined from the slope of the passive torque–angle relationship. A stress relaxation test (SRT) was performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of the hamstrings. The passive straight leg raise (SLR) test was used to evaluate hamstring flexibility.

Results

A significant interaction was observed for ROM and passive ultimate stiffness, reflected by an increase in these indicators after ND but not after SD. SLR increased significantly in both groups. After ST, a significantly faster initial stress relaxation was observed over the first 4 s. than after ND. There was no significant change in the active knee joint position sense.

Conclusions

ND provided a slightly greater increase in hamstring extensibility and passive stiffness, possibly by decreasing nerve tension and increasing strain in connective tissues than ST. The ST mostly affected the viscoelastic behavior of the hamstrings, but neither intervention had a significant impact on proprioception.

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Title: Immediate effects of neurodynamic nerve gliding versus static stretching on hamstring neuromechanical properties
Authors: Danguole Satkunskiene
Ra’ad M. Khair
Pornpimol Muanjai
Mantas Mickevicius
Sigitas Kamandulis
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 9/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04422-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

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Immediate effects of neurodynamic nerve gliding versus static stretching on hamstring neuromechanical properties

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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