Efficacy of Mulligan Mobilization, Maitland Mobilization, High-Velocity Thrust, and Muscle Energy Technique for Pain, Disability, and Center-of-Gravity Displacement in Patients With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is associated with significant pain, disability, and altered postural control in adults. Manual therapies, including Mulligan mobilization, Maitland mobilization, high-velocity thrust (HVT), and muscle energy technique (MET), are routinely applied for the management of SIJ dysfunction. However, comparative evidence regarding their effects on pain, disability, and center-of-gravity (COG) displacement remains insufficient.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the efficacy of Mulligan mobilization, Maitland mobilization, HVT, and MET in improving pain, functional disability, and COG displacement in individuals with SIJ dysfunction.

METHODS

A randomized controlled, parallel-group trial will be conducted on participants diagnosed with unilateral SIJ dysfunction. Participants will be assigned in equal numbers to 4 groups, each receiving Mulligan mobilization, Maitland mobilization, HVT, or MET interventions administered 5 days per week for 3 weeks, in addition to a standardized exercise regimen. The primary outcomes will be pain (assessed using a visual analog scale [VAS]) and functional disability (assessed using the Modified Oswestry Disability Index [MODI]), and the secondary outcome will be COG displacement (measured by sway velocity, lift-up index on the left and right, COG alignment, movement time, and impact index).

RESULTS

We hypothesize that all interventions will lead to statistically significant reductions in pain and disability. Results will be analyzed after the completion of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol is designed to provide robust comparative data on manual therapy approaches for SIJ dysfunction. Findings may guide physiotherapy practice by informing evidence-based recommendations for optimal management strategies.