Mechanosensitivity of the median nerve and mechanically produced motor responses during Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1

The mechanosensitivity of the median nerve was greater during elbow extension in the ULNT1 position than in the neutral position. The increased EMG activity that occurred primarily in muscles contributing to an antalgic posture with concurrent changes in resistive torque and range of movement may be explained by a flexor withdrawal response to pain that acts to reduce the stretch on the median nerve. Muscle activity prior to pain onset is probably due to mechanoreceptor activation following preferential stretch of the median nerve.