Effects of lower limb neural mobilisation on reactive agility, balance, and physical performance: a randomised...

Neural mobilization (NM) is commonly applied to enhance neural tissue mobility and reduce pain, but its effects on physical performance in healthy individuals remain uncertain. This randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of lower limb NM, applied alone or in combination with dynamic stretching, on reactive agility (RA), balance, flexibility, and muscle strength in healthy young women.

Sixty healthy female participants were randomly assigned to three groups: the NM group, the NM + dynamic stretching (NMDS) group, and the dynamic stretching only (DS) group. Interventions were performed three times per week for two weeks under physiotherapist supervision. Performance was assessed using the RA test and vertical jump, while dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y balance test. In addition, hamstring flexibility and lower extremity isometric muscle strength were measured.

Results showed significant main effects of time across all parameters (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes for balance, flexibility, and muscle strength. Notably, the NMDS group demonstrated superior improvements in Y Balance Test performance (F(2,57) = 8.83; p < 0.001; η²=0.237) compared with NM and DS. Hamstring flexibility also improved most prominently in the NMDS group, with a 21% increase. Although RA, vertical jump, and muscle strength improved within all groups, no significant group × time interactions were detected for these measures (p > 0.05). No adverse events occurred.

These findings support the use of NM, especially when integrated with dynamic stretching, as a safe and effective intervention for enhancing neuromotor control, performance optimisation, and injury risk reduction in healthy individuals.

NCT06951048; Registration date: 22 April 2025; ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06951048 ).