Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization and Maitland Mobilization Methods in Alleviating Pain and Enhancing Functional Mobility Among Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) Sufferers

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition contributing significantly to global disability and functional impairment. Manual therapy, particularly joint mobilization techniques, has shown promise in alleviating pain and improving mobility, yet limited comparative evidence exists regarding the relative efficacy of Mulligan and Maitland mobilizations. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization and Maitland mobilization techniques in reducing pain intensity and enhancing functional mobility in individuals with CLBP. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 60 participants with CLBP, aged 18–65 years, allocated equally to either the Mulligan or Maitland mobilization group. Interventions were administered over four weeks with three sessions per week. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline and post-treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27.0, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group reductions in VAS and ODI scores (p<0.001). The Mulligan group demonstrated greater improvement, with a mean post-treatment VAS of 3.07 versus 5.33 in the Maitland group (p=0.051) and a significantly lower ODI score (1.23 vs. 2.57, p<0.001), indicating superior functional gains. Conclusion: Mulligan mobilization is more effective than Maitland mobilization in reducing pain and disability among CLBP patients, supporting its preferential use in clinical practice for short-term functional improvement.