Effect of mulligan taping on quadriceps strength, knee pain and function in knee osteoarthritis using visual analogue scale and koos

Background: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, non-inflammatory, joint disease characterized by destruction of articular cartilage and formation of new bone at the joint surface and margins. Quadriceps strengthening is widely recommended in knee osteoarthritis as it decreases pain and improves function. Studies say with malalignment and laxity, muscle forces may increase stress on localized areas of articular cartilage. Malalignment in the knee joint may alter the line of action of the quadriceps forces thereby distributing unequal forces across the joint. Strengthening in such malaligned joint can hasten the progression of osteoarthritis. Mobilization with Movement (MWM), a joint mobilization technique developed by Brian Mulligan says that pain and movement restriction is due to positional faults. Correction of this positional fault has an immediate effect on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis. Studies show that taping improves knee joint kinematics taping reduces pain and allows a more comfortable quadriceps contraction. The aim of this study was to check if immediate pain relief and correction of joint malalignment (joint tracking) by Mulligan (tibial internal rotation) taping has an effect on quadriceps strength. Objective: To assess the effect of Mulligan taping and Placebo taping on knee pain, quadriceps strength and knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. To compare the effect of Mulligan taping and Placebo taping on knee pain, quadriceps strength and knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: study design: Prospective experimental study design. 62 participants were included in the study after taking their informed consent. Participants were divided into 2 groups of 31 each using computer generated randomized table. Group A received Mulligan taping (with tibial internal rotation glide). Group B received Placebo taping (without tibial internal rotation glide). Participants were assessed for pain, Q angle, quadriceps strength and knee function before taping, immediately after taping and 48 hours after taping using Visual Analogue Scale, 1RM, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score respectively. Results: Both Mulligan taping group and Placebo taping group showed reduction in pain, increased quadriceps strength and improved knee function. However, on comparing both the groups, Mulligan taping was more effective in reducing pain, improving quadriceps strength and improving knee function as compared to Placebo taping group. Conclusion: Mulligan taping was more effective than Placebo taping in reducing knee pain, improving quadriceps strength and knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.