Comparison of sciatic nerve and median nerve behavior to neurodynamic strain in elderly and asymptomatic adults

Abstract

Introduction: Healthy peripheral nerves are capable of adapting to increased neurodynamic tension that occurs with body movements. Under pathological conditions, peripheral nerves reduce their ability to adapt to increased neurodynamic tension. Elderly individuals often present with peripheral neuropathies. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the behavior of peripheral nerves in asymptomatic elderly individuals. Objective: To compare the behavior of the sciatic and median nerves to neurodynamic tension in elderly individuals and asymptomatic adults. Methods: An observational case-control study will be conducted with 68 participants, divided into two groups (a control group consisting of adults aged 18 to 64 years and an experimental group consisting of individuals over 65 years). In the first stage of the evaluation, a screening assessment form will be completed, as well as a form with information such as sociodemographic data. The second stage consists of the application of the neurodynamic test of the sciatic and median nerves. In the third stage, ultrasound images of the behavior of the median and sciatic nerves will be obtained before and after high neurodynamic tension positioning. The behavior of the sciatic and median nerves will be measured by cross-sectional area and nerve-to-skin distance. The behavior of the sciatic and median nerves will be compared between the group of adults and asymptomatic elderly individuals. Expected results: Elderly individuals are expected to have reduced cross-sectional area and nerve-to-skin distance of the sciatic and median nerves compared to adults.