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Effect of Hamstring Stretching on Pain at Masseter Muscle and Mouth Opening: A Systematic Review
Nafisa Sarfaraz1, Kalpana Zutshi1, Ifra Aman1
1Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
Background:
Hamstring flexibility can potentially affect the mobility and function of remote musculoskeletal areas, including the cervical spine and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), thereby increasing tension along the myofascial chain and potentially reducing mouth opening, contributing to orofacial discomfort. This review aims to inform clinical practice by exploring the integrated impact of these interventions within the framework of neuro-myofascial connectivity.
Methods:
A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases spanning the period from the year 2006-2025, restricted to studies published in the English language. Keywords and MeSH terms corresponding to hamstring stretching, mouth opening and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) mobility were used incorporating Boolean operators. Randomized control trials and experimental studies investigating acute or short term effects of hamstring stretching on Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain and mouth opening were included.
Results:
The preliminary results indicate that hamstring stretching can result in temporary improvements in pressure pain threshold and mouth opening; however, the results should be interpreted with caution and the number of the RCTs is small and heterogeneous.
Conclusion:
The findings support the possibility of myofascial and neural interconnections between the posterior chain and masticatory system; however, the current evidence is insufficient to establish definitive mechanistic conclusions.
Trial Registration:
PROSPERO number: CRD420251173297.
