Comparison of the short-term effects of Mulligan and Maitland mobilisation techniques combined with home-based exercise for non-specific neck pain: A randomised controlled trial.

Study Summary

43 adults with non-specific neck pain (NSNP) were randomized to receive Mulligan mobilisation plus therapeutic exercise (TE), Maitland mobilisation plus TE, or TE alone for 2 weeks. The primary outcomes of interest were pain measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), disability measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical range of motion (ROM), pressure pain threshold (PPT), pain catastrophising measured using the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), and kinesiophobia measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Manual therapy was delivered twice weekly for four sessions, while all participants completed the same daily home exercise program. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 2 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed significant within-group improvements across multiple outcomes, but no consistent statistically significant between-group differences favouring either mobilisation technique over exercise alone. These findings suggested that adding Mulligan or Maitland mobilisation to a short home exercise program did not provide clear additional short-term benefit over exercise alone.