Neural Mobilization After Upper Extremity Fatigue in Amateur Athletes

Acute Effects of Neural Mobilization After Physical Fatigue on Upper Extremity Performance and Hand-Eye Coordination in Amateur Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the acute effects of neural mobilization and dynamic stretching after upper extremity fatigue on upper extremity performance and hand-eye coordination in amateur athletes. Participants were amateur athletes aged 18 to 25 years who regularly participated in sports involving active use of the upper extremity. After baseline assessment, all participants completed a standardized upper extremity fatigue protocol. They were then randomly allocated to one of three groups: neural mobilization, dynamic stretching, or passive rest. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after fatigue, and after the assigned recovery intervention or rest period. The study aimed to determine whether active recovery strategies, particularly neural mobilization, provide greater short-term recovery of upper extremity performance and hand-eye coordination compared with passive rest.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 25 years
• Amateur athlete participating in a sport requiring active use of the upper extremity, such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, or table tennis
• Able to understand and perform the fatigue protocol, recovery intervention, and outcome assessments
• Volunteered to participate and provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current upper extremity, cervical, or trunk pain or injury that could affect test performance
• History of upper extremity surgery, fracture, or major musculoskeletal trauma that could limit participation
• Neurological, vestibular, or systemic condition affecting upper extremity function, balance, coordination, or exercise tolerance
• Any cardiovascular, respiratory, or medical condition contraindicating participation in fatiguing upper extremity exercise
• Inability to complete the fatigue protocol or outcome assessments safely