Assessment of Upper and Lower Limb Neural Tissue Extensibility in Asymptomatic Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Objective: To assess neural tissue extensibility of the upper and lower limb in asymptomatic healthcare professionals and to determine its association with work experience.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Holy Family Hospital, Pakistan from 20th December 2024 to 4th August 2025.
Materials and Methods: A total of 384 asymptomatic healthcare professionals, aged 25–45 years were included, comprising physical therapists, dentists, and surgeons (128 participants from each category). The method of non-probability purposive sampling was applied. Upper and lower limb neural tissue extensibility was assessed using ULNT1, ULNT2, ULNT3 and slump test, prone knee bend test, and passive straight leg raise, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and spearman correlation to assess the relationship between work experience and neural extensibility via SPSS version 23.
Results: Among upper limb neurodynamics, median nerve showed highest positive response especially in dentists (Right: 35.9%, Left: 32%). While radial nerve depicted least positive response (10.4%) in all professionals. For lower limb neurodynamics, surgeons predominated in slump test results (Right: 22.7%, Left: 22.1%), while physical therapists showed the highest frequency for the passive straight leg raise (Right: 24.2%, Left: 21.1%). Moreover, work experience showed a statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) with neural tissue extensibility.
Conclusion: Occupational demands are associated with reduced neural tissue extensibility in healthcare professionals, particularly, dentists exhibited the greatest median nerve involvement, surgeons showed higher positive response in slump and prone knee bend tests and physical therapists demonstrated reduced extensibility in the passive straight leg raise test. These findings highlight the importance of early screening, ergonomic awareness, and preventive strategies in clinical practice.