An Experimental Study on Effects of Mulligan Mobilization Technique and Isometric Exercises in Patients with Osteoarthritis Knee

Introduction: There is lack of evidence of effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization technique and isometric exercises in the treatment of osteoarthritis of knee. So this study is intended to find out the efficacy of these two treatment techniques while treating osteoarthritis of knee.

Material and Method: Thirty subjects were included in the study. They were assigned to group 1 and group 2 with 15 subjects in each group. Group 1 received isometric exercises with mulligan's technique. Group 2 received isometric exercises alone. Both the groups underwent treatment for 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and 6 minutes Walk test. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance test.

Results: For pain, F(y-x) was found to be 23.90 with df (1, 27) for group 1. For stiffness, the F(y-x) value is 33.86 with df (1, 27). For physical function, F(y-x) was obtained to be 9.66 with df (1, 27). For six minute walk test, The F(y-x) value was obtained to be 27.269 with the df (1, 27).

Conclusion: Isometric exercises along with manual therapy may not be effective than isometric exercises alone in treating osteoarthritis knee is rejected.