Comparison of Nonballistic Active Knee Extension in Neural Slump Position and Static Stretch Techniques on Hamstring Flexibility

Abstract

A T C~arious stretching techniques have traditionally been used in an attempt to improve hamstring flexibility. Researchers have compared the effectiveness of different techniques to improve hamstring flexibility, including proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation relaxation techniques (20,29), modifications of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation relaxation techniques (7,l l-l3,15,22,24,25,27,33), ballistic stretching (12,15,25), and static stretching (7,ll-13,15,22,24,25, 27,29,33). Use of nonballistic, active range of motion exercises has been advocated as more effective than static stretching for increasing range of motion (23), yet no published data exist to support this view.Gajdosik (8) pointed out that along with the hamstrings, the deep fascia of the lower limb and the soft tissues of the pelvis, including neurologic tissue (4,10,31), could limit a straight leg raise test. In the same way, these noncontractile tissues can come under tension during passive or active movements of hip flexion or knee extension. If tension of noncontractile tissue limits indirect measures of hamstring flexibility, ie., straight leg raise or active knee extension tests, then use of a stretching technique that emphasizes these tissues, along with the hamstrings, may be justified. Maitland (1 6-18) described a neural tension test (ie., slump test) in which active knee extension is performed by subjects in a sitting position while maintaining cervical and thoracolumbar flexion. This position effectively tensions the dura, spinal cord, and lumbosacral nerve roots (3). A normal response of limited knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion occurred in the flexed, or slumped posture, but full range was achieved after cervical flexion was released and the head returned to the upright position (16,17). Rather than shortened ham-

Comparison of Longitudinal Sciatic Nerve Movement With Different Mobilization Exercises: An In Vivo Study Utilizing Ultrasound Imaging

“…22 Neural mobilization exercises, derived from neurodynamic tests, such as the slump test or straight leg raise test, have been advocated in clinical texts 14,15,37,44 and as a result of published clinical trials. 7,17,34,36,42,48 However, to the authors' knowledge, no previous research has been published that has examined in vivo measurement of sciatic nerve excursion in normal, healthy participants during different types of neural mobilization exercises. Such work would complement previous work performed on the upper limbs.…”

The Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Range of Motion: A Systematic Literature Review

“…First, in content areas where randomized controlled trials are lacking, the omission of other relevant clinical trials could significantly compromise the validity of the results of a systematic review. 7 Further, it has been well documented [1][2][3][4]8,9,14,22,23,27,30,37,39 that control groups not performing hamstring stretching do not demonstrate a significant increase in hamstring flexibility, so the use of a comparison group was not considered mandatory for inclusion in this review. A complete list of eligibility criteria is detailed in Table 1.…”

The Effect of Different Intensities of Static Stretching, as Measured by Hand-held Dynamometer, and the Relationship with Perceived Amount of Pain

“…Even though the intensity of stretching increased, the decrease in AKE values was limited, and there was no difference in the sustained effect between groups. This might be because the duration of stretching was insufficient to cause tissue deformation (Bandy et al, 1994;Webright et al, 1997;Bandy et al, 1998). Tissue with viscoelastic properties can undergo deformation when it moves through an elastic range to attain a plastic range according to stress-strain relationships (Stromberg et al, 1969;Taylor et al, 1990).…”