Long Term Efficacy of Maitland Mobilization Versus Mulligan Mobilization in Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to find the long term efficacy of Mulligan mobilization versus Maitland mobilization in subjects with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis in aspect of relieving pain, improving range of motion, and reducing functional disability.

45 subjects were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group-A (n=15) received Maitland mobilization along with supervised exercise program, Group-B (n=15) received Mulligan mobilization along with supervised exercise program and Group-C (n=15) received supervised exercise program alone thrice weekly for 4 weeks. The outcome parameters were measured at baseline, post intervention and at two weeks follow up.

Pain intensity was measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) during upper limb activities, passive range of motion was measured using Universal Goniometer and functional status was evaluated by SPADI.

Statistically significant improvement was found in all the three groups for all outcome parameters (p<0.05). In between group analysis both Group A and Group B showed statistically significant improvement in all the outcome parameters when compared with Group C. Group-B showed significant improvement in VAS, abduction ROM and SPADI score when compared with Group-A after post-intervention as well as follow-up. But there was no significant difference found in External rotation ROM between the two experimental groups.

Mulligan mobilization is more effective than Maitland mobilization in relieving pain, increasing range of motion, and improving functional capacity in subject with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis both in post-intervention and in follow-up.