The Additional Effect of Neurodynamic Slump and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition to Passive Stretching of the Short Hamstring: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hamstring shortening is a significant musculoskeletal condition affecting the posture and mobility of the spine and lower extremities. This study examined the impact of incorporating neurodynamic slump stretch and suboccipital muscle inhibition into passive static stretching on hamstring flexibility in individuals with short hamstrings. Methods: 117 female participants were classified into three groups: the control group, which received passive static stretch of the hamstring muscle; the neurodynamic slump group, which received neurodynamic slump stretch with passive static stretch; and the suboccipital muscle inhibition group, which received suboccipital muscle inhibition with passive static stretch, for three sessions a week, 10 min each, for four weeks. The outcome measures were the popliteal angle test (PAT), straight leg raising (SLR) test, and forward bending test (FBT) at baseline, immediately following the first session and after four weeks. Results: Statistically significant differences were found within groups (p < 0.001) for all outcome measures. Between the groups, there was a more significant improvement in the PAT and the SLR tests, favoring the neurodynamic slump and suboccipital muscle inhibition groups in comparison with the passive static stretch group (p < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two groups after the first session and at four weeks of treatment. However, the FBT showed no significant differences immediately following the first session or at four weeks of treatment (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that incorporating neurodynamic slump stretch and suboccipital muscle inhibition into passive static stretch techniques effectively treats short hamstrings in healthy individuals.