Normal response to sural neurodynamic test in asymptomatic participants. A cross-sectional study

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BackgroundNeurodynamic tests (NDTs) consist of a combination of movements aimed to stress different parts of the nervous system and are considered to be able to detect increased nerve mechanosensitivity. Currently, there are no studies in healthy subjects that define the normal response to sural neurodynamic test (NDTSUR). ObjectivesThe main aim of this study was to document normal responses of the NDTSUR in asymptomatic participants. The secondary aim was to investigate potential gender and leg dominance influences. DesignA cross-sectional study was designed. MethodsNDTSUR was performed on 44 asymptomatic participants with a total of 88 lower limbs. The range of motion at the point of first appearance of symptoms (S1) and the point of pain tolerance (S2), quality and distribution of sensory responses were recorded. ResultsHip flexion was significantly greater (p < 0.001) at S2 (63.6 ± 13.1°) than S1 (42.5 ± 12°) and the mean difference was 21.8° (95% CI: 21.8; 22.8) (p < 0.001). However, hip flexion was not different between gender nor dominance (p > 0.05). The descriptor of the quality of the sensory responses more often used by participants was stretching (87% and 76% for S1 and S2, respectively) in the posterior knee and lateral leg. ConclusionsThis study describes the sensory responses of asymptomatic participants resulting from the NDTSUR. The findings indicate that NDTSUR responses are independent of the influence of gender or leg dominance.