Effectiveness of Mobilization with Movement on the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is becoming a global major cause of pain and functional disability worldwide, especially in the elderly population. Nowadays, evidence shows that mobilization with movement (MWM) has a beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis subjects. However, its adequacy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To review the best available evidence for the effectiveness of MWMs on pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature was conducted using the following electronic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and the methodological quality of the studies was appraised using the PEDro scale. It was reported according to the guideline of the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: A total of 15 RCTs having 704 participants were included. The present systematic review suggests that there were significant differences between MWM groups and control groups in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale, and flexion range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrated that MWM was effective to improve pain, range of motion, and functional activities in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.