Facial Tactile Stimulation and Hamstring Flexibility

Inhibition of the sub-occipital muscle group is shown to increase the elasticity of Hamstring muscles. Reversely, stretching of the hamstring muscles is shown to change the pressure pain thresholds over the masseter and upper trapezius muscles. There appears to be a functional link between the neuromuscular system of the head and neck and lower extremities. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of tactile stimulation of facial skin on hamstring length in healthy young males. A total of sixty-six participants participated in the study. Hamstring length was measured by the 'Sit and reach' test in long sitting and 'Toe touch' test in standing position before and after two minutes of facial tactile stimulation in the experimental group and rest in the control group.