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Knee OsteoarthritisNCT06954363

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Mulligan Mobilization Along With Conventional Physical Therapy in Knee Joint Osteoarthritis Patients

A study testing Mulligan Mobilization and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by Khyber Medical University Peshawar at 3 sites in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Mulligan Mobilization with conventional physical therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA), with a specific focus on improving hamstring flexibility and reducing functional limitations. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Knee Osteoarthritis
What is being tested?
Mulligan Mobilization and Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
24 participants
Where
3 sitesPakistan
Study dates
1 Apr 2025to 28 Nov 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 40 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosed cases of osteoarthritis (Grade 1 to 3)
  • X-ray showing Grades I to III on Kellgren Lawrence scale of Osteoarthritis.
  • Residents of Peshawar verified via NADRA CNIC
  • Both genders will be included with unilateral or bilateral knee involvement.
  • Age group 40 and above.
  • Duration of Knee pain for more than 3 months.

Who cannot join

  • History of any previously known neurological conditions i.e. stroke, peripheral neuropathy
  • Fractures in treatment limb.
  • Suspicious of malignancy around the knee joint.
  • Recent under gone surgery
  • Recent Intra-articular injection.
  • Significant comorbid diseases and disabilities are excluded from the study

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country.

Pakistan3 sites
  • Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar

    Peshawar, KPK, 25000

  • Alkhidmat Hospital Peshawar

    Peshawar, KPK

  • Bibi Zahida Memorial Hospital, NCS University System

    Peshawar, KPK

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Techniques and Mulligan Mobilization Along With Conventional Physical Therapy in Knee Joint Osteoarthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Mulligan Mobilization with conventional physical therapy in the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA), with a specific focus on improving hamstring flexibility and reducing functional limitations. The findings will help inform clinical decision-making and enhance patient outcomes in OA rehabilitation.

Read the detailed description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by the destruction of articular cartilage and the formation of bone spurs, leading to pain, joint stiffness, and decreased functional mobility. While its exact cause remains unknown, factors such as age, sex, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics, bone density, smoking, and joint location contribute significantly to its development. As patients experience pain and reduced joint mobility, they often limit movement, particularly of the knee, resulting in muscular tightness-most notably in the hamstring, a two-joint muscle.

Globally, OA is a major public health concern, with knee OA affecting approximately 250 million people in 2010, including 18% of women and 9.6% of men over 60. It has substantial economic impacts, such as costing the United States 1-2.5% of its GDP and Spain €4.7 billion in 2007. Regional data from South Asia show higher prevalence in rural populations, emphasizing the disease's widespread burden.

Physical therapy has been shown to be highly effective in managing knee OA symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials support the use of techniques like Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Mulligan Mobilization. MET has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to static stretching and whole-body vibration in improving hamstring flexibility and reducing stiffness. Similarly, Mulligan Mobilization, particularly when combined with supervised exercises, has shown better outcomes than Maitland mobilization in improving flexibility and function in OA patients.

However, current literature presents conflicting evidence regarding the individual efficacy of MET and Mulligan Mobilization. This study seeks to address these inconsistencies by investigating the effectiveness of integrating both MET and Mulligan Mobilization with conventional physical therapy in treating knee OA. The goal is to provide evidence-based insights that can guide clinicians in optimizing therapeutic strategies for better functional outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Being tested
Mulligan Mobilization, Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Keywords
Knee Osteoarthritis, Muscle Stretching Exercises, Range of Motion, Articular
Medical subject headings
Osteoarthritis, Knee

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mulligan MobilizationProcedure or surgery

    Mulligan Mobilization involves manual tibial glides (medial and lateral) using a mobilization belt. The patient lies supine with the knee flexed between 30°-45°. The therapist applies a sustained glide while the patient actively moves the knee into flexion and extension. The treatment is delivered in 3 sets of 10 repetitions per session, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, along with a conventional physical therapy protocol.

  • Muscle Energy Technique (MET)Procedure or surgery

    Muscle Energy Technique involves the application of post-isometric relaxation targeting hamstring muscles. The therapist applies a 10-second isometric contraction at the resistance barrier, followed by a 20-second passive stretch, progressing into a new range of motion. This technique is applied 3 times per session, 5 days per week for 3 weeks, in combination with a conventional physical therapy protocol.

Study groups in NCT06954363
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intervention GroupExperimentalParticipants in this group will receive Mulligan Mobilization combined with Conventional Physical Therapy. Mulligan Mobilization includes medial and lateral tibial glides using a Mulligan belt. Each session will consist of 3 sets of 10 repetitions, administered 5 days a week for 3 weeks. In addition, patients will undergo standard conventional physical therapy exercises such as quadriceps strengthening, straight leg raising, and stretching exercises. Each treatment session will last 30 minutes.
Receives: Procedure: Mulligan Mobilization
Control GroupActive comparatorParticipants in this group will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET) targeting the hamstring muscles, in combination with Conventional Physical Therapy. The MET will follow a post-isometric relaxation approach, using both direct and indirect methods depending on patient condition. Each isometric contraction will be held for 10 seconds, followed by a 20-second stretch, repeated for 3 sets. Therapy will be conducted 5 days a week over a 3-week period. Each session will last 30 minutes. The same conventional physical therapy regimen as the intervention group will be applied.
Receives: Procedure: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Hamstring Flexibility Measured by Goniometer

    Hamstring range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using a goniometer before and after the intervention. The change in ROM will be used to evaluate effectiveness. Outcome improvement categories:

    Mild Increase: 5-10 degrees

    Moderate Increase: 10-15 degrees

    Marked Increase: >15 degrees

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1) and Post-treatment (End of Week 3)

  2. Change in Pain Score Using Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 questionnaire Questionnaire

    The function in daily activities subscale of Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 questionnaire will assess participants' ability to perform routine activities before and after the intervention.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1) and Post-treatment (End of Week 3)

  3. Change in Knee-Related Quality of Life Using Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-12 questionnaire

    The quality of life (QOL) subscale of KOOS-12 will evaluate the impact of osteoarthritis on participants' knee-related wellbeing pre- and post-treatment.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1) and Post-treatment (End of Week 3)

  4. Change in Activity of Daily Living Function Using KOOS-12

    The function in daily activities subscale of KOOS-12 will assess participants' ability to perform routine activities before and after the intervention.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 1) and Post-treatment (End of Week 3)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 May 2025
  2. Study start1 Apr 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Oct 2025
  4. Study completion28 Nov 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel treatment groups that includes experimental Group (Mulligan Mobilization + Conventional Physical Therapy) and Control Group (Muscle Energy Technique + Conventional Physical Therapy).
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
24 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06954363
Sponsor's protocol ID
KMU/DIR/CTU/2024/015
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
24 Apr 2025
Last updated
8 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The study will make individual participant data (IPD) available to other researchers after the conclusion of the study. The IPD shared will include anonymized data related to the primary and secondary outcome measures, including depression scores, biochemical markers (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, BDNF), EEG data, and other relevant clinical and demographic data collected during the trial. The data will be de-identified to ensure participant confidentiality. The data will be shared through an approved data repository or by direct request to the study's primary investigators.

Publications

  • Farazdaghi M, Kordi Yoosefinejad A, Abdollahian N, Rahimi M, Motealleh A. Dry needling trigger points around knee and hip joints improves function in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:597-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.04.011. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

    PubMed 34391293
  • Ceballos-Laita L, Jimenez-Del-Barrio S, Marin-Zurdo J, Moreno-Calvo A, Marin-Bone J, Albarova-Corral MI, Estebanez-de-Miguel E. Effects of dry needling on pain, pressure pain threshold and psychological distress in patients with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Jun;51:102443. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102443. Epub 2020 May 18.

    PubMed 32507443
  • Ashraf F, Anwar K, Arshad H. Effects of muscle energy technique along conventional physical therapy after mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in knee osteoarthritis patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2024 Dec;40(11):2558-2564. doi: 10.12669/pjms.40.11.9605.

    PubMed 39634887
  • Goksen A, Can F, Yilmaz S, Korkusuz F. Comparison of different neuromuscular facilitation techniques and conventional physiotherapy in knee osteoarthritis. Turk J Med Sci. 2021 Dec 13;51(6):3089-3097. doi: 10.3906/sag-2101-298.

    PubMed 34565133
  • Sanchez-Romero EA, Pecos-Martin D, Calvo-Lobo C, Ochoa-Saez V, Burgos-Caballero V, Fernandez-Carnero J. Effects of dry needling in an exercise program for older adults with knee osteoarthritis: A pilot clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Jun;97(26):e11255. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011255.

    PubMed 29952993

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mulligan Mobilization and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in people with Knee Osteoarthritis, run by Khyber Medical University Peshawar at 3 sites in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Hamstring Flexibility Measured by Goniometer (time frame: Baseline (Day 1) and Post-treatment (End of Week 3)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06954363, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jan 2026.

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