Effects of Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

AbstractsO_ST_ABSBackgroundC_ST_ABSKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease that severely affects patients quality of life. Joint-mobilization technique reportedly improves joint pain, limited mobility, and dysfunction significantly. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the clinical efficacy of joint-mobilization technique treatment on the level of knee pain, function, and mobility in patients with KOA. We also aimed to provide evidence-based medical data for the clinical management of KOA. MethodsWe searched four English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane) and three Chinese databases (China Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang). The search date was from the date of inception to February 1, 2024 for each database. Randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of joint release in KOA were identified. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17.0. ResultsA total of 8 studies involving 432 patients with KOA were included. Our meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in knee pain level (SMD=-1.69, 95% CI [-1.74, -0.82] Z=3.96 P<0.0001), WOMAC scale (SMD=-0.74 95% CI [-1.39, -0.10] Z= 2.25 P=0.02) were significantly improved. However, they were not superior to controls in knee flexion (SMD=2.3 95% CI [0.98, 3.62] Z=3.41 P=0.00006) and extension mobility (SMD=1.79, 95% CI [1.38, 2.20], Z=8.54,P<0.00001). ConclusionJoint-mobilization technique has some advantages in improving the degree of knee pain and dysfunction in patients with KOA, but it is not better than the control group in improving knee mobility. This study provides theoretical support for the promotion of joint-mobilization technique in KOA treatment.