Effectiveness of manual therapy targeting hamstring tightness in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of rehabilitation outcomes - Summary - MDSpire

Effectiveness of manual therapy targeting hamstring tightness in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of rehabilitation outcomes

  • By

  • Saeid Yahia Al Matif

  • Hussain Al Dera

  • Thamer Al Shammary

  • Ahmed Al Mansour

  • Amirah Alotaibi

  • Mona Idris

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy interventions targeting hamstring tightness on pain intensity and physical function in individuals with KOA.

Approach:
  • Systematic Review: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, assessing studies from January 2010 to March 2024.
Key Findings:
  • TwelveRCTs(N=652)wereincludedinthereview.Ninestudiesreportedsignificantwithin-groupimprovements,andsixdemonstratedsignificantbetween-groupdifferencesfavoringmanualtherapy.Painreductionsrangedfrom1.5to3.2pointsontheVAS/NPRS,exceedingminimalclinicallyimportantdifferences.Hamstringflexibilityimprovedby8to18.PEDroscoresrangedfrom3to7,indicatingmoderatequality.Commonbiasesincludedlackoftherapistblinding,inadequateallocationconcealment,andabsenceofanintention-to-treatanalysis.
Interpretation:

Evidence is limited by heterogeneity and moderate study quality.

Limitations:
  • Substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity among studies.
  • Common biases included lack of therapist blinding, inadequate allocation concealment, and absence of an intention-to-treat analysis.
Conclusion:

Further high-quality trials with standardized protocols are needed.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

Effectiveness of manual therapy targeting hamstring tightness in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of rehabilitation outcomes

  • by Saeid Yahia Al Matif, Hussain Al Dera, Thamer Al Shammary, Ahmed Al Mansour, Amirah Alotaibi, Mona Idris

  • July 2, 2026

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