(Coppieters & Butler, 2008)
Aims: The aim of this cadaveric biomechanical study was to measure longitudinal excursion and strain in the median and ulnar nerve at the wrist and proximal to the elbow during different types of nerve gliding exercises.
Methods: The study consisted in measures with digital devices, of longitudinal nerves’ (ulnar and median) excursion and strain in two embalmed cadavers during sliders, tensioners and isolated movements of the wrist and elbow at ulnar and median nerves.
Results: They found that more strain were measured with tensioning techniques and more excursion was measured during sliding techniques.
Limitations: Only two embalmed and aged cadavers. It worth remembering that it does not provide any information relating to pain, or symptoms during sliding and tensioning techniques. It is just about the mechanical effects on the nerves of the upper arm.
In practice: if we want to strain = tensioners if we want to create excursion and less strain = sliders.
Coppieters, M. W., & Butler, D. S. (2008). Do “sliders” slide and “tensioners” tension? An analysis of neurodynamic techniques and considerations regarding their application. Manual Therapy, 13(3), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2006.12.008