None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study tested whether two advanced physiotherapy techniques, Kaltenborn mobilization and Mulligan’s Mobilization with Movement (MWM), work better than standard exercises to improve elbow stiffness after injury. Forty-five patients received either standard exercises, Kaltenborn, or Mulligan’s techniques combined with heat therapy for 2 weeks, with progress tracked through pain and mobility measurements. We hypothesized that Mulligan’s MWM would show superior results in restoring pain-free elbow movement compared to other methods. Treatments were delivered by licensed physiotherapists in a hospital outpatient setting.
Interventions
1. Physical/Informational Materials Used
Hot packs (for actinotherapy) to promote tissue healing.
Goniometer for measuring elbow range of motion (ROM).
Treatment belt (for Mulligan’s MWM techniques).
Standardized assessment tools (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score).
2. Procedures/Activities
Group B: Kaltenborn mobilization (radial/ulnar glides, 10 reps/session) + actinotherapy.
Group C: Mulligan’s MWM (medial/lateral glides, 3 sets × 10 reps/session) + actinotherapy.
All gr
1. Physical/Informational Materials Used Hot packs (for actinotherapy) to promote tissue healing. Goniometer for measuring elbow range of motion (ROM). Treatment belt (for Mulligan’s MWM techniques). Standardized assessment tools (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score). 2. Procedures/Activities Group B: Kaltenborn mobilization (radial/ulnar glides, 10 reps/session) + actinotherapy. Group C: Mulligan’s MWM (medial/lateral glides, 3 sets × 10 reps/session) + actinotherapy. All groups received pre-treatment actinotherapy for pain relief and tissue preparation. 3. Adherence Assessment Session attendance recorded for each participant. Treatment logs documented by the physiotherapist (e.g., reps/sets completed, heat application duration). Standardized tools (NPRS, MEPS) administered pre/post-intervention to monitor progress. 4. Group Allocation Determined by physician discretion based on clinical presentation (e.g., pain severity, ROM limitations). 5. Intervention Provider Licensed physiotherapist with expertise in manual therapy, following standardized protocols. 6. Mode of Delivery Face-to-face, individual sessions. Location: Outpatient Physiotherapy Department. 7. Duration/Frequency 10 sessions (5 sessions/week for 2 weeks). Each session: 30–45 minutes (actinotherapy + mobilization/exercises). 8. Location Outpatient Physiotherapy Department, Independent University Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Sponsors
Dr. Mehlaqa Waseem- Independent University Hospital, Faisalabad
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
10 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Patients clinically diagnosed with post-traumatic elbow stiffness persisting for 4-6 months Age range: 10-40 years (all genders included) Medically stable and eligible for manual therapy interventions Limited elbow range of motion (ROM) confirmed by goniometric assessment Willing and able to provide informed consent (or parental consent for minors) No systemic illnesses or metabolic conditions affecting musculoskeletal health No other concurrent musculoskeletal disorders in the affected limb Clinically stable fracture union (if stiffness resulted from fracture) No contraindications to physiotherapy interventions (e.g., acute inflammation, infections) No cognitive impairments affecting ability to follow treatment protocols
Exclusion criteria
Systemic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis) affecting musculoskeletal healing Metabolic bone disorders (e.g., osteoporosis) Acute fractures or non-union fractures in the affected elbow History of elbow joint replacement or surgical fixation in the last 6 months Neurological conditions (e.g., nerve injuries, radiculopathy) contributing to stiffness Active infections or inflammatory conditions in the elbow region Severe osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease in the elbow Cognitive impairments limiting ability to follow treatment protocols Contraindications to manual therapy (e.g., malignancy, vascular compromise) Participation in another concurrent rehabilitation program for the same condition Allergies or adverse reactions to actinotherapy (hot packs) Unwillingness to comply with the study protocol or attend all sessions
Outcome results
None listed