Evaluation of immediate effect of different neurodynamic mobilization techniques on hamstring flexibility in basketball players

Hamstring muscle injuries are common in many mainstream sports, Basketball being one of them. The factors responsible commonly for these injuries are insufficient warm up, poor flexibility, fatigue, neural tension etc. Hamstring tightness leads to musculoskeletal disorders. In Basketball players Hamstring flexibility is very important. It contributes to run, squat and jump. Methods like stretching are commonly used to regain Range of motion. Neurodynamic sliding is also considered to improve hamstring flexibility. Thus, it is important to undertand beneficial effects of neurodynamic sliding along with passive stretching to increase hamstring flexibility. This study aims to undertand immediate effect of neurodynamic mobilization techniques on hamstring flexibility in basket ball players. A randomized control trial on 45 participants having atleast five years of experience and having popliteal angle less than 125 degree were included. Three groups were made and the interventions were 1. Passive stretching 2. Passive stretching plus slump neurodynamic sliding 3. Passive stretching plus straight leg raise neurodynamic sliding. Goniometer and Sit and reach test were used pre and post intervention as outcome measures. The study indicates passive stretching with SLUMP neurodynamic sliders will have better immediate effect amongst all three techniques. To sum up, clinically Passive stretching with SLUMP neurodynamics is more effective and thus will help prevent injuries.