Effect of the mobilization in lumbar nerve roots on muscle strength and flexibility of the lower limb

Abstract

Introduction: Neural mobilization is widely applied in clinical practice. Aim: To evaluate the effect of neural mobilization of the lumbar roots on the strength and flexibility of the knee and hip muscles. Methods: We selected 14 men (22.4 ± 2.87 years) healthy. Flexibility was evaluated during knee flexion movements (KFR and KFL), extension of the hip (HER and HEL) and for the lumbar spine (LS). Assessment of muscle strength was performed for the knee movements. The evaluations were performed before the neural mobilization (PRE), immediately after (POST1) and one week after (POST2). Results: In the POST1 and POST2 was a significant increase in muscle strength in KFL. For flexibility, the POST1 evaluation, it was observed significant increase in KFL, HER, and HEL. In the evaluation POST2, a significant increase flexibility in LS and reduction in KFL. Conclusion: The neural mobilization promoted increased strength of the flexor muscles of the left knee, increased flexibility in the KFL, HER, HEL and LS.