Muscle stretching is widely recognized as a fundamental component of physicl activity and exercise routines, traditionally applied to improve joint flexibility and increase range of motion (ROM). However, a growing body of evidence suggests that stretching may elicit a broader spectrum of physiological effects beyond musculoskeletal adaptations. Emerging studies demonstrate that stretching can influence neuromuscular performance, cardiovascular function, autonomic nervous system activity, and tissue-level mechanical properties. These effects, which can occur both acutely and chronically, open new perspectives on stretching as a low-intensity yet impactful form of physical intervention suitable for diverse populations, including clinical and aging cohorts. The Research Topic Unveiling Functional and Structural Physiological Transformations Through Muscle Stretching—hosted in Frontiers in Physiology—was conceived to bring together original contributions and comprehensive reviews that explore the structural and functional adaptations induced by stretching. Our aim was to provide an integrative view of how stretching, through its various modalities and protocols, can influence physiological systems in health and disease. The papers included in this Research Topic explore these dimensions across methodological, mechanistic, and application-oriented perspectives.
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