This randomized controlled trial evaluated the acute effects of neural mobilization and dynamic stretching after upper extremity fatigue on upper extremity performance and hand-eye coordination in amateur athletes. Participants were amateur athletes aged 18 to 25 years who regularly participated in sports involving active use of the upper extremity. After baseline assessment, all participants completed a standardized upper extremity fatigue protocol. They were then randomly allocated to one of three groups: neural mobilization, dynamic stretching, or passive rest. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after fatigue, and after the assigned recovery intervention or rest period. The study aimed to determine whether active recovery strategies, particularly neural mobilization, provide greater short-term recovery of upper extremity performance and hand-eye coordination compared with passive rest.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
Upper extremity neural mobilization was applied after the standardized fatigue protocol. The intervention targeted the median, radial, and ulnar nerves using non-painful mobilization techniques. Each technique was performed for 2 sets of 20 repetitions, with each repetition lasting approximately 1 to 3 seconds
A structured dynamic stretching protocol was performed after the standardized fatigue protocol. The protocol lasted approximately 10 minutes and included dynamic upper extremity and whole-body movements such as arm swings, arm crossovers, walking lunges with trunk rotation, lateral shuffling, heel kicks, inchworms, and modified shuttle movements.
Hatay Mustafa Kemal University
Hatay, Antakya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Alternate Hand Wall Toss Test
Hand-eye coordination was assessed using the Alternate Hand Wall Toss Test. Participants stood 2 meters from a wall and repeatedly threw a ball against the wall, catching it with the opposite hand. The number of successful catches completed within 30 seconds was recorded. Higher scores indicate better hand-eye coordination performance.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and after the 15-minute recovery period
Upper Quarter Y Balance Test
Upper quarter dynamic balance was assessed using the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test. Participants maintained a push-up position and reached with the free hand in the medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions. Reach distances were recorded and used to calculate a composite score normalized to upper limb length. Higher scores indicate better upper quarter dynamic balance performance.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and after the 15-minute recovery period
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
Upper extremity functional performance was assessed using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. Participants performed alternating hand touches across two marked lines while maintaining a push-up position. The number of touches completed within 15 seconds was recorded. Higher scores indicate better upper extremity functional performance.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the fatigue protocol, and after the 15-minute recovery period
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.