Comparing the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization versus Cyriax approach in the management of patients with subacute lateral epicondylitis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilisation versus Cyriax approach in the management of patients with subacute lateral epicondylitis.

METHODS

The clinical trial was conducted at the District Headquarter Hospital, Bahawalnagar, Pakistan, from September to December 2018, and comprised lateral epicondylitis patients having symptoms for >2 weeks. The diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of physical tests and musculoskeletal ultrasound. The subjects were randomly allocated to two equal groups A and B. Group A received deep transverse friction and Mill's manipulation according to Cyriax approach, while group B received Mulligan mobilisation with movement techniques. Patient-related tennis elbow evaluation index was used to collect data which was analysed using SPSS 20.

RESULTS

Of the 60 patients, there were 30(50%) in each of the two groups. The overall mean age was 35.27±7.30 years, and 38(63.3%) participants were male. After 4 weeks of treatment sessions, both groups showed significant improvements (p<0.05) in pain and functional disability scores. Group A showed significantly more improvement (p<0.05) in pain subscale scores compared to group B, while group B showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in functional disability subscale scores compared to group A. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the groups on total the patient-related tennis elbow evaluation index score.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Mulligan mobilisation with movement and Cyriax approach decreased pain and improved functional status in lateral epicondylitis patients.