Effects of Different Neurodynamic Mobilization Techniques on Hamstring Flexibility and Functional Performance in Basketball Players

Background: Hamstring tightness is associated with decreased flexibility and increased injury risk in athletes. While passive stretching is widely used, neurodynamic techniques such as slump and straight leg raise (SLR) sliders may offer additional benefits by mobilizing the neural structures and enhancing muscle extensibility.

Objective: To find the effects of different neurodynamic mobilization techniques on hamstring flexibility and functional performance in basketball players.

Methods: Forty-five basketball players were randomly allocated into three groups: passive stretching (PS), passive stretching with a slump slider (PS+SLUMP), and passive stretching with an SLR slider (PS+SLR). Interventions were administered for eight weeks. Outcomes included hamstring flexibility and functional performance. Within-group changes were analyzed descriptively using a paired t-test, and between-group differences were examined using one-way ANCOVA.

Results: All groups demonstrated improvements in hamstring flexibility from the pre- to post-test. Post-intervention hamstring flexibility values were 23.16 ± 1.43 cm (PS), 23.58 ± 0.99 cm (PS+SLUMP), and 22.79 ± 0.86 cm (PS+SLR), with no significant between-group differences (F (2, 41) = 0.819, p = 0.448, partial η² = 0.038). Functional performance showed non-significant improvement pre-post in all three groups and between-group differences (F (2, 41) = 0.787, p = 0.462, partial η² = 0.037).

Conclusion: Neurodynamic mobilization produces additional benefits in improving hamstring flexibility and functional performance in asymptomatic basketball players.