NCT06954363

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Mulligan Mobilization Along With Conventional Physical Therapy in Knee Joint Osteoarthritis Patients

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Mulligan Mobilization Along With Conventional Physical Therapy in Knee Joint Osteoarthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (actual)
• Sponsor: Khyber Medical University Peshawar · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Mulligan Mobilization with conventional physical therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA), with a specific focus on improving hamstring flexibility and reducing functional limitations. The findings will help inform clinical decision-making and enhance patient outcomes in OA rehabilitation.

Detailed description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and the formation of bone spurs, leading to pain, joint stiffness, and decreased functional mobility. While its exact cause remains unknown, factors such as age, sex, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, bone density, smoking, and joint location contribute significantly to its development. As patients experience pain and reduced joint mobility, they often limit movement, particularly of the knee, resulting in muscular tightness-most notably in the hamstring, a two-joint muscle. Globally, OA is a major public health concern, with knee OA affecting approximately 250 million people in 2010, including 18% of women and 9.6% of men over 60. It has substantial economic impacts, such as costing the United States 1-2.5% of its GDP and Spain €4.7 billion in 2007. Regional data from South Asia show higher prevalence in rural populations, emphasizing the disease's widespread burden. Physical therapy has been shown to be highly effective in managing knee OA symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials support the use of techniques like Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Mulligan Mobilization. MET has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to static stretching and whole-body vibration in improving hamstring flexibility and reducing stiffness. Similarly, Mulligan Mobilization, particularly when combined with supervised exercises, has shown better outcomes than Maitland mobilization in improving flexibility and function in OA patients. However, current literature presents conflicting evidence regarding the individual efficacy of MET and Mulligan Mobilization. This study seeks to address these inconsistencies by investigating the effectiveness of integrating both MET and Mulligan Mobilization with conventional physical therapy in treating knee OA. The goal is to provide evidence-based insights that can guide clinicians in optimizing therapeutic strategies for better functional outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Conditions

• Knee Osteoarthritis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Mulligan Mobilization	Mulligan Mobilization involves manual tibial glides (medial and lateral) using a mobilization belt. The patient lies supine with the knee flexed between 30°-45°. The therapist applies a sustained glide while the patient actively moves the knee into flexion and extension. The treatment is delivered in 3 sets of 10 repetitions per session, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, along with a conventional physical therapy protocol.
PROCEDURE	Muscle Energy Technique (MET)	Muscle Energy Technique involves the application of post-isometric relaxation targeting hamstring muscles. The therapist applies a 10-second isometric contraction at the resistance barrier, followed by a 20-second passive stretch, progressing into a new range of motion. This technique is applied 3 times per session, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, in combination with a conventional physical therapy protocol.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-30
• Completion: 2025-11-28
• First posted: 2025-05-01
• Last updated: 2026-01-08

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: Pakistan