The Efficacy of Neurodynamic Mobilization on the Range of Motion and Performance Measures in Individuals with Short Hamstring Syndrome

Background: Hamstring stain injuries remain a common occurrence in sport and a challenging issue for the health care clinicians to adequately manage while minimizing the risk of re-injury and time to return to play. One of the factors identified in reccurrent hamstring strain injuries is the presence of adverse neurodynamics. Adverse neurodynamics is a disfunction within the nervous system. It may play a signficant role in the recovery due to the hamstring muculature’s close proximity to the sciatic nerve. However, the efficacy of neurodynamics in the treatment of hamstring strains is unclear. Purpose: The purpose of these studies is the identify neurodynamics’ effectiveness on hamstring flexibility and performance measures through changes in the range of motion (ROM) and maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVIC). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify and assess literature that examined the effect of neurodynamics on hamstring flexibility and performance measures. Additionally, a case series was performed to assess the use of neurodynamic tensioner treatment on individuals with short hamstring syndrome. The efficacy of the neurodynamic tensioners treatment was measured through changes in ROM and MVIC strength. Results: The results of the systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates a benefit of neurodynamics of improving hamstring ROM. Eighteen articles were included in the review and assessed via the PEDro scale, while five of those eighteen were input for a meta-analysis. Additionally, in the case series it was illustrated that neurodynamic tensioners produced a significant increase in passive straight leg raise while not influencing MVIC performance. Conclusion: Neurodynamic techniques are effective interventions in improving hamstring flexbility. It remains unclear on neurodynamics’ efficacy in assessments of performance meaures. The case series illustrated that neurodynamics might be a superior option compared to traditional stretching methods as it did not diminish MVIC post-intervention.