The Influence Of Maitland Mobilization On Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and purpose: Chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE)was a widespread overuse injury disorder. This affects both sexes between 30 and 50 years old and is most prevalent. There was a lack of studies that investigated the effect of Maitland mobilizations on the elbow joint by using Ultrasonography scanning (US). This study was conducted to answer the influence of Maitland mobilizations on neovascularity/hypo-echogenicity, pain severity, range of motion (ROM) of wrist extension, hand grip strength, and functional disability level in patients.

Material and methods: The study was conducted using 60 people who were chosen at random to participate in two equal groups. The treatment group (n=30) receiving Maitland mobilization in addition the conventional therapy and control group (n=30) received conventional therapy only 3 times/ weekly for 12 sessions. The measurements were conducted before and after 4 weeks of intervention with frequency of 3 times/weekly using US , visual analogue scale( VAS) ,universal goniometer, Dynamometer, and the quick disability function questionnaire(Quick DASH).

Results: Each group demonstrated a significant decreased in neovascularity /hypo-echogenicity on treatment group decreased contrasted with control group (p < 0.001), decreased pain severity, increasing ROM of wrist extension and increasing hand strength grip, decreased function disability in treatment group comparing with control group. There was statistically significant between groups decrease in VAS (p < 0.001), increase in wrist extension ROM (p < 0.001), in hand grip (p < 0.001) and Quick DASH questionnaire (p < 0.001) after 4 weeks of intervention.

Conclusion: Maitland mobilization with conventional therapy showed more decreased neovascularity/hypo-echogenicity, pain severity, increased ROM of wrist extension, hand grip strength, and decreased functional disability level.