Effects of Lower Extremity Neural Mobilization on Gait Biomechanics and Spinal Alignment

Acute Effects of Lower Extremity Neural Mobilization on Gait Biomechanics and Spinal Alignment: A Comparison of Neural Slider and Neural Tensioner Techniques

This randomized single-blinded trial aimed to compare the immediate effects of lower extremity neural slider and neural tensioner exercises on gait parameters and spinal alignment in sedentary young adults. Sixty healthy sedentary individuals aged 18-30 years were randomly assigned to receive either a neural slider or neural tensioner intervention. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed using a validated smartphone-based gait analysis application, and spinal alignment angles were measured with a bubble inclinometer before and immediately after a single exercise session. The primary outcome was the acute change in gait-related parameters, and secondary outcomes included changes in spinal alignment and pelvic inclination angles.

This randomized, single-blinded experimental study was conducted between February and April 2024 to investigate the acute effects of lower extremity neural mobilization techniques on gait biomechanics and spinal alignment in sedentary individuals.

Sixty healthy sedentary participants (30 females, 30 males) aged 18-30 years were enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated to either a neural slider group or a neural tensioner group using a sealed-envelope randomization method. Allocation concealment was ensured by an independent researcher, and all outcome assessments were performed by a blinded physiotherapist.

Each participant underwent baseline (pre-test) assessments followed by a single session of neural mobilization exercise (3 minutes total, 3 sets of 30 repetitions). Post-intervention measurements were performed five minutes after completion of the exercise.

The primary outcome was the immediate change in spatiotemporal gait parameters, including gait speed, cadence, step length, step length asymmetry, base of support, single and double support times, and gait score. Gait was assessed using the OneStep smartphone application, which has demonstrated high validity compared to laboratory-based gait analysis systems.

Secondary outcomes included changes in spinal alignment and pelvic inclination angles, measured using a bubble inclinometer. Cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, total spinal mobility, and pelvic tilt angles were evaluated in a neutral standing position.

No adverse events were reported during or after the interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 30 years
• Sedentary lifestyle (no regular structured exercise within the past 6 months)
• No history of lower extremity or spinal surgery
• No diagnosed neurological disorder
• No diagnosed musculoskeletal disorder
• No current lower extremity pain or functional limitation
• Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of hamstring injury
• Current low back, hip, or knee pain
• Known peripheral nerve injury or neurological condition
• Any condition limiting safe participation in neural mobilization exercises
• Inability to complete the intervention protocol
• Withdrawal from the study before post-intervention assessment