The immediate effect of neurodynamic techniques on jumping performance: A randomised double-blind study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Neurodynamic techniques are used to restore neural functions. However, there are few studies about the effects on performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects on vertical jumping (VJ) and horizontal jumping (HJ) of 2 different tension loading techniques applied to young adults.

MATERIAL AND METHOD:

In this randomised double-blind study, a total of 68 participants with a mean age of 21.31 $\pm$ 1.21 years were separated into 2 groups using the closed envelope system: the femoral nerve mobilization (FNM) group and the sciatic nerve mobilization (SNM) group. The FNM and SNM techniques were applied as 2 seconds stretching with 2 seconds resting for 10 repetitions. The VJ and HJ performance of the participants was evaluated before and after the interventions by a researcher blinded to the groups.

RESULTS:

The mean VJ performance before and after interventions was measured as 34.56 $\pm$ 7.80 cm and 35.89 $\pm$ 8.15 cm in the FNM group ( $p<$ 0.05) and 31.74 $\pm$ 8.31 cm and 32.76 $\pm$ 8.45 cm in the SNM group ( $p<$ 0.05). The effects of the techniques on HJ performance were not statistically significant ( $p>$ 0.05). There was no superiority between the techniques ( $p>$ 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The neurodynamic techniques were found to provide an immediate increase in VJ performance. Neurodynamic techniques are generally used in patient populations to improve treatment outcomes. According to these study results, neurodynamic techniques can be safely used to provide an immediate increase in performances of individuals with no lower extremity problems.