Optimizing Athletic Performance with Neural Mobilization: A Comparative Study in Soccer Players.

Abstract

Neural mobilization (NM) is an acute bout method that aims to directly or indirectly affect the mechanical and physiological properties of the nerve tissue or surrounding structures using manual techniques or exercises. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of incorporating NM into warm-up routines on flexibility, balance, and performance compared with static stretching (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS). Thirty-six amateur soccer players aged 18-25 participated in a randomized controlled, assessor-blinded study. Participants sequentially performed a 5-minute standardized warm-up, group-specific acute bout (SS, DS, or NM), and a 5-minute cool-down. Pre- and post-test assessments consisted of the straight leg raise test (flexibility), Y balance test (balance), single-leg forward hop test (performance), T-test (agility), and BlazePod reaction time. All groups showed significant post-test improvements in flexibility, balance, and performance (all p < 0.05, η² = 0.06-0.18). The NM group demonstrated a greater reduction in agility T-test time (p = 0.028, η² = 0.10), while no significant agility changes were observed in the other groups (p > 0.05). Intergroup analysis revealed greater improvement in the anterior reach direction of the Y balance test for the NM group (p = 0.038, η² = 0.19). No significant group-by-time interaction was found (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that NM, by targeting the neural system rather than muscle tissue, may provide additional neuromechanical benefits and enhance balance performance during warm-up in soccer players.