Acute Effects of Neurodynamic Stretching on Muscle-tendon Complex

Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are widely applied in rehabilitation and physiotherapy to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning and nerve flossing. They both involve proximal and distal joint movements to induce greater neural sliding while avoiding excessive tensile stress. However, contradictory findings on neurodynamic techniques highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding these techniques. Moreover, neurodynamic techniques are of interest for patients, it appeared it could also be applied in healthy individuals and more particularly in athletes. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two neurodynamic mobilization techniques (flossing vs. tensioning) on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE, a form of ultrasonography).