The Preventive Effects of Neurodynamic Mobilization on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

The aims of this study to determine the preventive effects of neurodynamic mobilization (NM) on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).32 untrained young males were randomized and performed the femoral nerve NM and placebo techniques three times per week for three weeks. After the application, all participants performed 300 isokinetic (35°-95° flexion angles, 30°/sec speed) eccentric contractions of the dominant knee extensors. Muscle soreness, pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), muscle strength of knee extensors, function, and muscle damage and inflammation markers were compared between groups at baseline, after completion of NM techniques, immediately after completion of DOMS protocol, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours.In the interaction of time by the group (group * time), in muscle soreness (η²: 0.110), PPT (η²: 0.219), ROM (η²: 0.097), function (η²: 0.156), and IL-6 level (η²: 0.162) were statistically significant (p <0.05). Individuals in the NM group had higher recovery rates at muscle strength and markers of muscle damage and inflammation levels. Practicing the NM techniques prior to vigorous and eccentric physical activity may have some preventive effects on muscle damage and the negative consequences of DOMS. It may assist in expediting the recovery of symptoms and reduce the severity.