Mobilization of the contralateral limb in Slump position: effects on knee extension in healthy adult subjects

Background and aim: In the acute phase of neuropathic pain due to nerve root disorders, the neurodynamic approach proposes the mobilization of the contralateral limb to decrease the pain and increase the range of motion in the affected limb. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the contralateral knee mobilization on the ipsilateral knee extension range of motion in Slump position in healthy adult subjects. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy subjects underwent a placebo, control and experimental manoeuvres that included a passive contralateral knee mobilization into extension. The knee, hip and cervical angles and distance between glabella and femoral condyle achieved in Slump test position were measured with an optoelectronic motion analysis system before and after each manoeuvre. Results: Experimental manoeuvre produced a statistically significant increase of the knee extension ROM when compared to the control (p=.017) and placebo (p=.007) manoeuvres. A significant increase of the hip angle and distance between glabella and femoral condyle was detected after the experimental manoeuvres (p<.001), but not after the placebo and control manoeuvres. Conclusions: The contralateral mobilization in Slump position increases the ipsilateral knee extension ROM. Further research is required to confirm that the knee increment ROM was due to the neural component. (www.actabiomedica.it)