Mulligan Mobilization in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Mobilization with Movement (MWM): MWM is a manual therapy technique in which a therapist applies a sustained lateral glide to the radial head using a belt while the patient performs active gripping movements. The intervention is designed to restore pain-free movement by combining joint mobilization with functional activity.

Sham Mobilization with Movement (Sham MWM): Sham MWM involves positioning the Mulligan belt in the same manner as the active intervention; however, no therapeutic joint mobilization force is applied. Participants perform active gripping movements while receiving a non-therapeutic simulation of mobilization.

Exercise: The exercise program targets the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle and includes isometric, concentric, and eccentric strengthening exercises. Exercises are performed in a structured manner and progressed according to a pain-monitoring model allowing mild tolerable pain.

Study summary

The aim of this randomized placebo-controlled trial is to investigate the effects of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) combined with an exercise program in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. The study will compare MWM plus exercise with sham MWM plus exercise and exercise alone.

A total of 45 participants will be randomly allocated to one of the three intervention groups. The study will evaluate whether adding MWM to exercise provides greater improvements in pain, physical function, muscle performance, proprioception, and biomechanical outcomes than sham mobilization or exercise alone. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 2 days after completion of the 4-week intervention, and 24 weeks after completion of the intervention.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Pain Intensity — Baseline, 2 days after completion of the 4-week intervention, 12 weeks after completion of the intervention, and 24 weeks after completion of the intervention.
  Pain intensity was assessed using an 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition