Effects of MWM Vs Sustained Mobilization on Knee Osteoarthritis

The word osteoarthritis (OA) is comprised of two separate terms: the prefix "osteo" means bone, and arthritis means joint inflammation. Subcommittee on Osteoarthritis of the American Rheumatism Association, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Criteria Committee, defined OA as "a heterogeneous group of conditions that lead to joint symptoms and signs which are associated with defective integrity of articular cartilage, in addition to related changes in the underlying bone and at the joint margins. "The prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic OA is double in female as compared to male over 20 years. According to a study in people of age 45 or above prevalence of OA is 20% in women and 10% in men. The causes of knee OA include factors such as age, gender, weight, genetics, injuries, and overuse. Common signs and symptoms of knee OA include knee pain, joint stiffness, decreased muscle strength, and proprioceptive deficits. In addition, individuals with knee OA often exhibit poor neuromuscular control, slower walking speed, decreased functional ability, and an increased susceptibility to falling.The most common scale for knee OA classification is the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) system, which evaluates osteophyte formation, articular cartilage narrowing associated with subchondral bone sclerosis, and altered shape of bone ends from grade 0 to grade 4.

KL classification:

Grade 0: no narrowing; Grade 1: doubtful articular space constriction, osteophytic lipping is possible; Grade 2: permanent osteophytes, potential constriction of the joint space; Grade 3: mild osteophytes, definite constriction of the joint space, and potential end-bone deformation; Grade 4: severe osteophytes, severe constriction of the joint space, severe sclerosis, and definite deformation of the bone.

Radiographes or X-rays to assess pain and restlessness are the foundation for detecting and diagnosing knee OA. Key features that can be observed using X-rays are joint space narrowing, osteophytes, cyst formation, and subchondral sclerosis.The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is a wellknown useful diagnostic tool to assess knee ligament injury and osteoarthritis. It includes 42 items in five sub-scales evaluating pain, symptoms, function of daily living, sport and recreation function (sport/rec), and (QOL).The Management of knee OA needs a multidisciplinary approach. The conservative treatment forms for knee OA comprise pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are mostly used for pain relief and stiffness caused by OA, with the numerous side effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal tract, making the treatment unsustainable.Manual therapy is a technique used to treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions and pain and usually includes manual therapies, such as massages, joint mobilization, and manipulations. Among the mobilization techniques, Mulligan's mobilization with movement (MWM) has been considered a good alternative for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, improving pain and ROM.MWM is based on the concept that minor position faults occur in articulating surfaces of joints following injury or strains, resulting in movement restriction and pain exacerbated by active contraction of muscles within the faulty positions of the joint. Thus, MWM involves passive accessory glide as a corrective technique, applied by the therapist perpendicular to the joint plane to correct the positional fault, combined with the offending movement being performed actively by the subject and sustained for several repetitions. The pain should always be reduced and/or eliminated during the application, and pain-free function should be restored.Sustained mobilisation is a hands-on therapy technique often used in the treatment of knee OA to help reduce pain and improve how well the joint moves. It involves gently holding the joint in a stretched or distracted position for a period of time, which can help loosen stiff tissues, improve joint lubrication, and ease discomfort. For people with knee osteoarthritis-who often experience pain, stiffness, and limited mobility-this type of mobilisation can be a useful way to manage symptoms and support better function. When combined with exercises and other rehabilitation strategies, sustained mobilisation may play a valuable role in improving overall joint health and quality of life.Eccentric exercise actions are characterized by low energy cost, high force production, hypertrophic impact, and a favorable effect on fall risk, physical function, and mobility. Eccentric resistance training may also increase volitional drive and reduce corticospinal inhibition to the muscle more than concentric training in OA. Eccentric actions are essential in daily activities, such as stair descent, squatting, or sitting into a chair.Therefore, this study aims to directly compare MWM and sustained mobilization, each integrated with eccentric strengthening exercises, to determine which approach is more effective for improving pain, range of motion, and functional performance in patients with Grade 3 knee OA. The findings will support physiotherapists in selecting the most appropriate, evidence-based interventions to enhance quality of life and functional independence for individuals living with moderate knee osteoarthritis.

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