Impact of different neurodynamic tension techniques on H reflex of sciatic nerve

Neurodynamic tension techniques are beneficial in reducing the intrinsic pressures on the neural tissue in symptomatic subjects. However, its effect on asymptomatic subjects are still uncertain, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three neurodynamic tension techniques on H reflex and H/M ratio of sciatic nerve in normal asymptomatic subjects. Sixty subjects participated in this study, their age ranged between 20-30 years and BMI between 19-25 kg m-2. They were assigned into three groups (A, B and C) divided equally, Group A received only slump technique (slider), group B received only piriformis technique (new innovation of neural mobilization technique that utilize a stretching exercise) and group C received only straight leg raising technique (proximal slider). Each participant was evaluated by measuring H reflex and H/M ratio using Schwarzer topas EMG machine before (pre-technique) and after neurodynamic tension techniques (post I) and after neurodynamic tension techniques with oscillation (post II). Mean, standard deviation and MANOVA-test were carried out for comparison and statistical method used was SPSS. In group A, B and C there was a significant decrease in the H reflex latency (p = 0.0001) at post I compared with pre-technique, at post II compared with pre-technique and at post II compared with post I. Moreover in group A, B and C there was a significant increase in the H/M ratio (p = 0.0001) at post II compared with pre-technique and at post II compared with post I, also at post I compared with pre-technique for group B and C, while there was a significant increase in the H/M ratio (p = 0.001) at post I compared with pre-technique in group A. The result of this study revealed that there was a significant difference in H reflex and H/M ratio of sciatic nerve after application of neurodynamic tension techniques. The study contributed to use the neurodynamic tension technique as a prophylactic treatment for subjects who are susceptible to have sciatica due to their life style.