| dc.description.abstract | Dancers are required to have extraordinary hamstring flexibility to conform to the demanding physical standards of many dance genres. Neural Gliding is a technique used to increase mobility in the nervous system itself or surrounding muscular structures. Dynamic stretching is an active form of stretching, used to strengthen and increase the range of motion within the muscles and joints. The purpose of the study was to compare and contrast the effects of integrating Dynamic stretching or Neural Gliding techniques into a dancer’s training regimen to improve overall hamstring flexibility. Twenty-one female collegiate dancers, ages 18-22, participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: Dynamic stretching group (DS), Neural Gliding group (NG), and control group (CG). DS had seven participants, the NG had eight participants and the CG had six participants. All groups completed a pre, mid and post-test looking at hamstring flexibility. Participants in the DS and NG completed 8 weeks of intervention training including: a general warm-up, a stretching routine specific to their group, and a general cool-down. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. Although, it was observed that the DG had the largest improvement on the right side in hamstring flexibility compared to the NG and CG. The left side measurements yielded no real improvement in hamstring flexibility for any group. Not all participants tested positive for neural tension during the pre-test. This inconsistency may have contributed to the lack of improvement in hamstring flexibility for the NG. Further research is needed to see if Neural Gliding can lead to improved hamstring flexibility for individuals who present with neural tension. | |
