Impact of Lower Limb Neural Mobilization on Neuromuscular Function and Calf Muscle Thickness in Elderly Individuals With Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a common age-related condition characterized by a gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. This can make everyday activities such as walking, standing, and maintaining balance more difficult for older adults, increasing the risk of falls and reducing independence. The lower limb muscles, especially the calf muscles, play an essential role in movement and stability. When these muscles weaken, it can significantly affect balance and mobility. While traditional management of sarcopenia focuses on strengthening exercises and nutrition, there is increasing interest in approaches that also target the nervous system to improve overall function. This study aims to examine the effect of lower limb neural mobilization on selected neuromuscular variables, namely static balance, fall risk, and ankle muscle strength as well as calf muscle thickness in elderly individuals with sarcopenia. Neural mobilization is a physiotherapy technique designed to improve the movement and flexibility of nerves. In the lower limbs, nerves such as the sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and muscles. With aging or reduced activity, these nerves may become less mobile, which can affect muscle activation and coordination. Neural mobilization involves gentle, controlled movements that help restore normal nerve mobility, improve blood flow, and enhance communication between the nerves and muscles. In this study, static balance refers to the ability to maintain a stable standing position without losing balance. Fall risk indicates the likelihood of experiencing a fall, which is a major concern in older adults. Ankle muscle strength is crucial because the ankle plays a key role in maintaining posture and responding to balance disturbances. Calf muscle thickness is an indicator of muscle mass and is commonly measured using imaging techniques such as ultrasound. Together, these measures provide a comp