ASSESSMENT OF NEURODYNAMIC SCIATIC NERVE SLIDING TECHNIQUE EFFECTS COMBINED WITH MUSCLE STRETCHING ON HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY IN TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES. A COMPARATIVE EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

 Introduction: hamstring injuries are very common among athletes, and lack of flexibility is a major risk factor.
although stretching has proven efficacy, there is little evidence regarding the application of neurodynamic techniques in sport, specifically in track and field. The objective of the study was to analyze if neurodynamic mobilization techniques provide significant changes in hamstring flexibility. Materials and method: the athletes were divided into 3 groups: a neurodynamic group where a neurodynamic sliding technique was applied (n = 11), a combined group where neurodynamic sliding and muscle stretching was applied (n =12) and a control group (n = 10).  The assessment was made by means of three tests performed pre- and post-intervention (active knee extension, straight leg raise and distance on fingertip-to-floor). The treatment consisted of 8 sessions, between march and April 2019. Results: in all assessment tests, high percentages of athletes with shortening were observed, 40 % indica-ted having suffered a previous hamstring injury. After the procedure, a significant increase in flexibility was achieved in both intervention groups (p < 0.01), and a reduction in the number of athletes with shortened hamstrings.
conclusions: lack of hamstring flexibility is an important risk factor in the onset of injuries at this level. The combination of neurodynamic slides and muscle stretching is an effective approach to improve hamstring flexibility.