Effect of neurodynamic mobilization on lower limb function in patients with mild post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND The therapeutic role of neurodynamic mobilization in improving lower limb function in patients with mild post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis remains poorly understood. AIM To further elucidate the role of neurodynamic mobilization in facilitating knee joint functional recovery. METHODS Thirty-two patients with post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis treated at Chonghua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Guilin) from March 2024 to August 2025 were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 16) or an intervention group (n = 16). Both groups received eight weeks of conventional treatment; and the intervention group additionally underwent neurodynamic mobilization. Outcomes including pain assessed by the visual analogue scale, active range of motion, Lysholm score, stork stand test, single hop test, and Y-balance test were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index, or surgical side (P > 0.05). Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant time × group interaction effects for the visual analogue scale score (F = 13.364, P < 0.05), Lysholm knee score (F = 20.385, P < 0.05), stork stand test (F = 103.756, P < 0.05), and Y-balance test score (F = 8.089, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Neurodynamic mobilization effectively reduces pain, improves knee function, and enhances lower limb balance in patients with mild post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis.