OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of thermal agents on the range of movement (ROM) and mechanical properties in soft tissue, and to discuss their clinical relevance. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase) were searched from their earliest available record up to May 2011 using subject headings (MeSH) and key words. We also undertook related articles searches and read reference lists of all incoming articles. STUDY SELECTION: Studies involving human participants describing the effects of thermal interventions on ROM and/or mechanical properties in soft tissue. Two reviewers independently screened studies against eligibility criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by two review authors using a customised form. Methodological quality was also assessed by two authors independently, using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. DATA SYNTHESIS: Thirty six studies, comprising a total of 1,301 healthy participants, satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was a high risk of bias across all studies. Meta-analyses were not undertaken due to clinical heterogeneity, however effect sizes were calculated. There were conflicting data of the effect of cold on joint ROM, accessory joint movement, and passive stiffness. There was limited evidence to determine if acute cold applications enhance the effects of stretching and further evidence is required. There was evidence that heat increases ROM, and a combination of heat and stretching is more effective than stretching alone. CONCLUSION: Heat is an effective adjunct to developmental and therapeutic stretching techniques and should be the treatment of choice for enhancing ROM in a clinical or sporting setting. The effects of heat or ice on other important mechanical properties (eg, passive stiffness) remain equivocal, and should be the focus of future study.

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