A Comparative Study Of Maitland Mobilisation Combined With Multimodal Physiotherapy Approaches On Pain, Function and Quality of life In Postmenopausal Women With Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative joint disorder, particularly prevalent among postmenopausal women due to age related and hormonal changes. It is characterized by pain, reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, functional limitation, and impaired quality of life. Postmenopausal women are at increased risk of knee osteoarthritis due to estrogen deficiency, often resulting in bilateral involvement, chronic pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. The present study is designed as a randomized parallel group clinical trial involving 60 postmenopausal women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups . The intervention group will receive Maitland mobilization combined with interferential current therapy, multiple-angle isometrics and step-up and step-down exercise. The comparator group will receive Maitland mobilization combined with therapeutic ultrasound, isometrics and dynamic quadriceps exercise. The primary outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), functional status assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and quality of life assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The secondary outcome measures will include knee joint range of motion assessed using a goniometer and muscle strength assessed using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. The results of this study are expected to provide comparative evidence on the effectiveness of different physiotherapy treatment combinations in reducing pain, improving functional independence and overall quality of life of postmenopausal women suffering from bilateral knee osteoarthritis thereby enhancing clinical effectiveness and promoting better long-term management strategies.