Does a Single Session of Cupping Therapy Increase Range of Motion in Individuals With Limited Hamstring Flexibility? A Critically Appraised Topic

Abstract

Context: Improving hamstring tightness is a common therapeutic goal to maintain performance and reduce injury risk. How effective is a single session of therapeutic cupping on improving hamstring flexibility? Methods: PubMed was searched in the Summer of 2023 using the search terms: cupping and range of motion (ROM). Included studies were intervention studies that evaluated cupping and flexibility within the lower extremity during a single treatment session. Hip flexion ROM was measured with the passive or active straight leg test. Means, SDs, 95% CI, and effect sizes were calculated. Results: Three articles were screened. Warren et al. reported a statistically significant increase in ROM from pre- to posttest of 4.42° using a digital inclinometer during the passive straight leg test. However, this is below a reported minimal detectable difference for the passive straight leg test (10°). Schafer et al. and Williams et al. reported no significant cupping effect over time between groups. Conclusions: There is consistent evidence that a single session of cupping therapy does not increase lower-extremity ROM in patients with limited hamstring flexibility.