Effect of Mobilization in Patients with Unilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Comparative Study

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of articular cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional limitations. Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of non-pharmacological management for OA, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve function. While exercise is a well-established intervention, the comparative effectiveness of different physiotherapy modalities, particularly the long-term effects of combining manual therapy with exercise, is not well-documented. This quasi-experimental study compared the effects of three different physiotherapy interventions in patients with unilateral knee OA: a) pain-modulating modalities and exercise; b) mobilization with movement (MWM) alone; and c) MWM combined with exercise. Participants were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC. The group receiving MWM combined with exercise demonstrated the most significant and sustained improvement in WOMAC scores over the 12-week period compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that a comprehensive approach combining manual therapy and exercise is superior to either intervention alone for the long-term management of unilateral knee OA.