Comparative Effects of Sciatic Nerve Flossing and Active Release Technique in Cyclists With Sciatica

Group A 16 subjects were treated with Sciatic Nerve Flossing Technique. Subjects were in sitting position. Nerve Flossing Technique was performed actively with the participant sitting on a chair. The participant was flex the knee of the target lower extremity backwards beside the chair, as far back as possible and flex the neck at the same time, holding both the flexed knee and neck in this position for 10 seconds. The participant in turn will extend the neck and the knee of the target lower extremity, abduct and then flex the hip until pain is felt and do not push beyond that point. This extended position was maintained for 10 seconds. The above procedure of Nerve Flossing Technique was repeated for 15 times, 3 sets with an interval of 5 minutes between each set. As the nerve becomes less sensitive, the participant can increase the stretching effect by dorsiflexion the ankle and extending the toes of the foot upward towards the shin.

Group B 16 subjects were treated with Active Release Technique. Subjects were in prone position. ART was performed actively by the participant lying on a bed. The participant was dorsiflex the foot of the target lower extremity, holding the dorsiflexion foot in this position for 10 seconds. The participant in turn was plantar-flexed the foot of the target lower extremity. This dorsiflexion position was maintained for 10 seconds. The above procedure of Active Release Technique was repeated for 15 times, 3 sets with an interval of 5 minutes between each set. As the muscles becomes more flexible, the participant can increase the flexibility effect by plantar flexing the foot.