Effect of Different Mobilization Techniques With Common Use of Interferential Therapy in Patients With Knee OA

Effectiveness of Maitland Mobilization Versus Mulligan Mobilization Techniques With Common Use of Interferential Therapy in Patients With Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

This study aimed to determine the effects of different manual mobilization techniques on pain, muscle strength, and functional limitations in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (Knee OA). A double-blinded pretest-posttest experimental study. This research employed a two-arm parallel group randomized comparative design. A total of thirty participants diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned and equally divided into groups 1 and 2, each containing 15 participants. Both Group 1 and Group 2 underwent Maitland and Mulligan mobilization techniques, alongside a common Interferential therapy (IFT) regimen, over the course of three sessions per week for a duration of four weeks. The assessment of pain and functional disability outcomes was conducted through the application of The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at the baseline and four weeks following the intervention. To determine the effects of the intervention within and between the groups, the outcome scores were subjected to analysis using both dependent and independent t-tests.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disorder with significant global health implications, its prevalence varying across populations due to intricate factors. Recent investigations highlight an age-related increase in knee OA prevalence, particularly impacting those aged 60 and above, with projections indicating heightened impact due to aging demographics. Recent pathogenesis studies illuminate the intricate molecular and cellular processes underlying knee osteoarthritis (OA), encompassing cartilage degradation, subchondral bone changes, and inflammation.Recent advancements have expanded knee osteoarthritis (OA) management, including medical, surgical, and physiotherapy interventions. Pharmacological treatments such as analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) remain fundamental for pain alleviation and inflammation reduction. Intra-articular therapies like corticosteroid injections and hyaluronic acid supplements offer localized relief and potential disease-modifying effects.Surgical interventions like total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provide pain relief and improved function for end-stage OA. Minimally invasive techniques like partial knee replacements and patient-specific implants aim to preserve joint function and enhance outcomes. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are crucial, in improving stability, muscle strength, and mobility. Studies highlight tailored exercises, neuromuscular training, and proprioceptive exercises in managing OA symptoms. The integration of these approaches underscores comprehensive knee OA management, addressing pain, function, and quality of life. The outcomes of this study could offer evidence-based recommendations for clinicians, aiding them in selecting the most appropriate manual therapy approach to alleviate pain, enhance joint mobility, and improve functional capacity in knee OA patients. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute to the optimization of knee OA management strategies, improving the well-being of those affected.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sub-acute or chronic osteoarthritis of knee.
• Age between 45-65 years.
• Gender Male and female.
• Subjects willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of R.A, polyarthritis or systemic inflammatory arthropathies.
• History of total knee arthroplasty or major knee trauma injury.
• Fracture of lower limb within the past 6 months.
• Hip or ankle instability, excessive weakness, surgery or major trauma injury.
• Intra-articular steroid injection in knee joint within 3 months.
• Cognitive problems.
• Patient with severe cardiac or pulmonary disorders.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Tumour/malignancies/infections.
• Metallic implants in the lower limbs.
• Any severe deformity around the knee joint.
• Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) system47: up to grade 0-III.
• History of neurological and psychological disorders.
• High risk health status- e.g.- uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, angina type pain, nocturnal dyspnoea, shortness of breathing, tachycardia etc.
• Contraindications of IFT and mobilization.