StretchingELASTRETCHNCT07304765
Acute Effects of Neurodynamic Stretching on Muscle-tendon Complex
A study testing Maximal static stretching, Submaximal static stretching and Maximal neurodynamic tensioning in people with Stretching and Control Condition, run by University of Burgundy at 1 site in France.
Trial summary
Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are widely applied in rehabilitation and physiotherapy to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning and nerve flossing. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Stretching, Control Condition
- What is being tested?
- Maximal static stretching, Submaximal static stretching and Maximal neurodynamic tensioning
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 21 participants
- Where
- 1 siteFrance
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2023to 15 Jun 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- healthy
- physical active
- no injuries (lower limb or back pain) in the past 3 months
Who cannot join
- Specific lower limb (hamstring) injuries in the past 2 years
- Not restraining activity 24h before participation
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Acute Effects of Neurodynamic Stretching the Shear Wave Velocity: on Application on Muscle and Nerve Tissues
Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are widely applied in rehabilitation and physiotherapy to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning and nerve flossing. They both involve proximal and distal joint movements to induce greater neural sliding while avoiding excessive tensile stress. However, contradictory findings on neurodynamic techniques highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding these techniques. Moreover, neurodynamic techniques are of interest for patients, it appeared it could also be applied in healthy individuals and more particularly in athletes. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two neurodynamic mobilization techniques (flossing vs. tensioning) on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE, a form of ultrasonography).
Read the detailed description
Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are frequently applied in rehabilitation settings to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves, particularly in the management of neuropathic pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathies, or sciatica. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning involves maintaining the nerve stretched at the end of the joint range of motion with relatively limited excursion. It is similar to a static stretching intervention but with distal (ankle) and proximal (cervical) tensions. Nerve flossing (also termed gliding or sliders), consists of alternating proximal and distal joint movements to induce greater neural sliding while avoiding excessive tensile stress. However, contradictory findings on neurodynamic techniques highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding the acute effects of the different possible neurodynamic techniques on sciatic nerves, particularly in healthy tissues. Moreover, neurodynamic techniques are of interest for patients, it appeared it could also be applied in healthy individuals and more particularly in athletes. Performed in patients, healthy or athletes, no study has compared both tensioning or flossing techniques. Moreover, because these techniques involved nerve mobilisation, the intensity should have a main effect of its efficiency. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two neurodynamic mobilization techniques (flossing vs. tensioning) on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE). This method has been shown reliable to provide non-invasive real-time assessments of soft tissues elastic properties. The secondary aim was to determine the effects of stretching intensity (at the point of pain threshold or below).
- Conditions
- Stretching, Control Condition
- Being tested
- Maximal static stretching, Submaximal static stretching, Maximal neurodynamic tensioning, Submaximal neurodynamic tensioning, Maximal neurodynamic flossing
- Keywords
- stretching, stiffness, nerve, muscle, flexibility
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Maximal static stretchingOther
Static stretching was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. Static stretching mainly focused muscle-tendon tissues.
Submaximal static stretchingOther
Static stretching was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. Static stretching mainly focused muscle-tendon tissues.
Maximal neurodynamic tensioningOther
Neurodynamic tensioning was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Tensioning is maintaining the position.
Submaximal neurodynamic tensioningOther
Neurodynamic tensioning was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Tensioning is maintaining the position.
Maximal neurodynamic flossingOther
Neurodynamic flossing was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Flossing is the alternation of these movements every 2 seconds.
Submaximal neurodynamic flossingOther
Neurodynamic flossing was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Flossing is the alternation of these movements every 2 seconds.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | Seated at rest during the same duration than the interventions |
| Static stretching at pain threshold | Active comparator | Static stretching at pain threshold of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest Receives: Other: Maximal static stretching |
| Neurodynamic tensioning at pain threshold | Experimental | Neurodynamic tensioning of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at pain threshold Receives: Other: Maximal neurodynamic tensioning |
| Neurodynamic flossing at pain threshold | Experimental | Neurodynamic flossing of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at pain threshold Receives: Other: Maximal neurodynamic flossing |
| Static stretching at submaximal intensity | Active comparator | Static stretching of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at 10% below pain threshold Receives: Other: Submaximal static stretching |
| Neurodynamic tensioning at submaximal intensity | Active comparator | Neurodynamic tensioning stretching of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at 10% below pain threshold Receives: Other: Submaximal neurodynamic tensioning |
| Neurodynamic flossing at submaximal intensity | Active comparator | Neurodynamic flossing stretching of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at 10% below pain threshold Receives: Other: Submaximal neurodynamic flossing |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Nerve shear wave velocity using elastography
Shear wave velocity of the sciatic nerve will be evaluated by using an ultrasound (echography) device with a specific mode called "shear wave elastography". Briefly, the ultrasound probe will deliver an ultrasound wave. The propagation speed (called '"shear wave velocity") will be measured by the same probe. The greater the velocity is, the harder the tissue is.
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Secondary outcomes (8)
Muscle shear wave velocity using elastography
Shear wave velocity of the biceps femoris muscle will be evaluated by using an ultrasound (echography) device with a specific mode called "shear wave elastography". Briefly, the ultrasound probe will deliver an ultrasound wave. The propagation speed (called '"shear wave velocity") will be measured by the same probe. The greater the velocity is, the harder the tissue is.
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Hamstring force
Maximal torque during a maximal voluntary hamstring contraction
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Biceps femoris activity
Electromyographic activity of biceps femoris muscle
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Semitendinosus activity
Electromyographic activity of semitendinosus
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
passive knee extension
The final passive range of motion of the hamstring muscles
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Global flexibility
the stand and reach test to evaluate flexibility (in centimeters)
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Slump test
Seated flexibility using the slump test (in degrees)
Measured: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
discomfort
rating of perceived discomfort during the intervention (from 1 to 10, no discomfort to maximal discomfort, respectively)
Measured: At the end (immediately after) the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Sep 2023
- Primary completion20 May 2024
- Study completion15 Jun 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for StretchingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Burgundy
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Nicolas Babault, University of Burgundy
- Investigators
- Nicolas Babault, PhD, Principal investigator, Universite Bourgogne Europe - Sport Science Faculty
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07304765
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CEP2204
- Acronym
- ELASTRETCH
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 1 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 26 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: data freely available in online websites
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Acute Effects of Neurodynamic Stretching the Shear Wave Velocity: on Application on Muscle and Nerve Tissues
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07304765
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ELASTRETCH / CEP2204
- Conditions
- Stretching, Control Condition
- Keywords
- stretching, stiffness, nerve, muscle, flexibility
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 21 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of BurgundyUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 May 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Jun 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 26 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are widely applied in rehabilitation and physiotherapy to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning and nerve flossing. They both involve proximal and distal joint movements to induce greater neural sliding while avoiding excessive tensile stress. However, contradictory findings on neurodynamic techniques highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding these techniques. Moreover, neurodynamic techniques are of interest for patients, it appeared it could also be applied in healthy individuals and more particularly in athletes. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two neurodynamic mobilization techniques (flossing vs. tensioning) on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE, a form of ultrasonography).
Detailed description
Neurodynamic mobilization techniques are frequently applied in rehabilitation settings to enhance the mobility and function of peripheral nerves, particularly in the management of neuropathic pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathies, or sciatica. Two main approaches are distinguished. Nerve tensioning involves maintaining the nerve stretched at the end of the joint range of motion with relatively limited excursion. It is similar to a static stretching intervention but with distal (ankle) and proximal (cervical) tensions. Nerve flossing (also termed gliding or sliders), consists of alternating proximal and distal joint movements to induce greater neural sliding while avoiding excessive tensile stress. However, contradictory findings on neurodynamic techniques highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding the acute effects of the different possible neurodynamic techniques on sciatic nerves, particularly in healthy tissues. Moreover, neurodynamic techniques are of interest for patients, it appeared it could also be applied in healthy individuals and more particularly in athletes. Performed in patients, healthy or athletes, no study has compared both tensioning or flossing techniques. Moreover, because these techniques involved nerve mobilisation, the intensity should have a main effect of its efficiency. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two neurodynamic mobilization techniques (flossing vs. tensioning) on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE). This method has been shown reliable to provide non-invasive real-time assessments of soft tissues elastic properties. The secondary aim was to determine the effects of stretching intensity (at the point of pain threshold or below).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 7
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control | No intervention | –Seated at rest during the same duration than the interventions |
| Static stretching at pain threshold | Active comparator | Other: Maximal static stretchingStatic stretching at pain threshold of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest |
| Neurodynamic tensioning at pain threshold | Experimental | Other: Maximal neurodynamic tensioningNeurodynamic tensioning of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at pain threshold |
| Neurodynamic flossing at pain threshold | Experimental | Other: Maximal neurodynamic flossingNeurodynamic flossing of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at pain threshold |
| Static stretching at submaximal intensity | Active comparator | Other: Submaximal static stretchingStatic stretching of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at 10% below pain threshold |
| Neurodynamic tensioning at submaximal intensity | Active comparator | Other: Submaximal neurodynamic tensioningNeurodynamic tensioning stretching of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at 10% below pain threshold |
| Neurodynamic flossing at submaximal intensity | Active comparator | Other: Submaximal neurodynamic flossingNeurodynamic flossing stretching of the right hamstring muscles 5x60s with 20s rest at 10% below pain threshold |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- healthy
- physical active
- no injuries (lower limb or back pain) in the past 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Specific lower limb (hamstring) injuries in the past 2 years
- Not restraining activity 24h before participation
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Maximal static stretchingStatic stretching was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. Static stretching mainly focused muscle-tendon tissues. | Other | Static stretching at pain threshold |
| Submaximal static stretchingStatic stretching was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. Static stretching mainly focused muscle-tendon tissues. | Other | Static stretching at submaximal intensity |
| Maximal neurodynamic tensioningNeurodynamic tensioning was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Tensioning is maintaining the position. | Other | Neurodynamic tensioning at pain threshold |
| Submaximal neurodynamic tensioningNeurodynamic tensioning was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Tensioning is maintaining the position. | Other | Neurodynamic tensioning at submaximal intensity |
| Maximal neurodynamic flossingNeurodynamic flossing was applied at pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Flossing is the alternation of these movements every 2 seconds. | Other | Neurodynamic flossing at pain threshold |
| Submaximal neurodynamic flossingNeurodynamic flossing was applied 10% below pain threshold on hamstring muscles and repeated 5 times during 60s at the point of pain. During the neurodynamic conditions, head and ankle movement permitted to mobilize nerve tissues. Flossing is the alternation of these movements every 2 seconds. | Other | Neurodynamic flossing at submaximal intensity |
Primary outcome
Nerve shear wave velocity using elastography
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Shear wave velocity of the sciatic nerve will be evaluated by using an ultrasound (echography) device with a specific mode called "shear wave elastography". Briefly, the ultrasound probe will deliver an ultrasound wave. The propagation speed (called '"shear wave velocity") will be measured by the same probe. The greater the velocity is, the harder the tissue is.
8 secondary outcomes
Muscle shear wave velocity using elastography
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Hamstring force
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Biceps femoris activity
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Semitendinosus activity
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
passive knee extension
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Global flexibility
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Slump test
Time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
discomfort
Time frame: At the end (immediately after) the intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. data freely available in online websites
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Nicolas Babault, PhD principal investigator
Universite Bourgogne Europe - Sport Science Faculty
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Maximal static stretching, Submaximal static stretching and Maximal neurodynamic tensioning in people with Stretching and Control Condition, run by University of Burgundy at 1 site in France.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in France. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Nerve shear wave velocity using elastography (time frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Dec 2025.