Combined effectiveness of Maitland's mobilization and patellar taping in patellofemoral osteoarthritis: A randomised clinical trial

To find out the effectiveness of medial and lateral taping with Maitland's mobilization in patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis.

60 subjects having clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis of patellofemoral joint were randomly allocated to two study groups. Group A received Short wave diathermy (20mins/day), Maitland mobilization, Isometric exercises, Medial taping using adhesive tape and group B received lateral taping and other treatment same as group A for 6 times/week for 2 weeks. The outcome was assessed in terms of VAS, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index on first and last day of intervention.

The demographic data was well matched in both the groups. Pain intensity in terms of VAS and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index decreased significantly in both the groups after the treatment. Comparing the two groups better effect was seen in group B (p=0.0001)for VAS and (p=0.0001) for WOMAC.

The present study demonstrates evidence to support the use of physical therapy regimen in the form of medial and lateral taping along with conservative physical therapy treatment in relieving pain, well being in subjects with subacute and chronic patello femoral osteoarthritis. The study also demonstrated that lateral Taping Technique were more effective in decreasing pain and disability.