Hip Abduction and Adduction During Neurodynamic Stretching (HIPROT)

April 27, 2026 updated by: Nicolas Babault, University of Burgundy

The Acute Effects of Neurodynamic Stretching on the Shear Wave Velocity: the Effects of Hip Adduction and Abduction

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 following neurodynamic stretching highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding the position that should be used. 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 hip positions (adduction vs. abduction) during neurodynamic flossing techniques on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE, a form of ultrasonography).

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

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. Both techniques appear efficient. However, contradictory findings following neurodynamic stretching highlighted the current lack of consensus regarding the angular position that could be used. For instance, hip rotations or hip adduction could impact muscle or nerve tissue changes, 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 different hip positions. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present study was to determine the immediate effect of two hip positions (adduction vs. abduction) during neurodynamic flossing techniques on the sciatic nerve and hamstring tissues using the shear wave elastography (SWE, a form of ultrasonography). This method has been shown reliable to provide non-invasive real-time assessments of soft tissues elastic properties.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
12

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • France
      • Dijon, France
        • Recruiting
        • Universite Bourgogne Europe - faculty of sports sciences
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • healthy
  • physical active
  • no injuries (lower limb or back pain) in the past 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Specific lower limb (hamstring) injuries in the past 2 years
  • Not restraining activity 24h before participation

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
No Intervention: No intervention (neutral)
No intervention with measurements in neutral position
No Intervention: No intervention (adduction)
No intervention with measurements in adduction position
No Intervention: No intervention (abduction)
No intervention with measurements in abduction position
Active Comparator: Neurodynamic (neutral)
The hip was positioned neutral (alignment between the lower limb and the trunk).
Other: Maximal neurodynamic flossing
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.
Experimental: Neurodynamic (adduction)
The hip was positioned in adduction and the neurodynamic stretch was applied.
Other: Maximal neurodynamic flossing
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.
Experimental: Neurodynamic (abduction)
The hip was positioned in abduction and the neurodynamic stretch was applied.
Other: Maximal neurodynamic flossing
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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Nerve shear wave velocity using elastography in neutral position
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. The hip position was neutral (alignment between the lower limb and the trunk).
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Hamstring force
Time Frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Maximal torque during a maximal voluntary hamstring contraction
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
The final passive range of motion of the hamstring muscles
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
the stand and reach test to evaluate flexibility (in centimeters)
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
Seated flexibility using the slump test (in degrees)
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
discomfort
Time Frame: At the end (immediately after) the intervention
rating of perceived discomfort during the intervention (from 1 to 10, no discomfort to maximal discomfort, respectively)
At the end (immediately after) the intervention
Nerve shear wave velocity using elastography in experimental position
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. The hip position was the experimental position (i.e., adduction or abduction depending on the randomisation).
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Muscle shear wave velocity using elastography in neutral position
Time Frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
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. The hip position was neutral (alignment between the lower limb and the trunk).
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Muscle shear wave velocity using elastography in the experimental position
Time Frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
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. The hip position was the experimental position (i.e., adduction or abduction depending on the randomisation).
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Biceps femoris electromyographic activity
Time Frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Electromyographic activity of biceps femoris muscle
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Semitendinosus electromyographic activity
Time Frame: Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention
Electromyographic activity of semitendinosus
Before the intervention and at the end (immediately after) the intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
University of Burgundy

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Nicolas Babault, universite bourgogne europe

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
February 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
February 10, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
June 30, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
January 9, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
January 9, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
January 20, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 28, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 27, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • CEP2601

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

data freely available in online websites

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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