COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF MULLIGAN MOBILIZATION WITH MOVEMENT AND COMPRESSION PAIN RELEASE PHENOMENON ON PAIN, ROM AND FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES IN PATIENTS WITH PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by diffuse anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by compressive forces on the patellofemoral joint. This condition impacts individuals' ability to perform daily activities, with altered joint mechanics contributing to symptoms. Effective conservative treatment approaches, such as Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and Compression Pain Release Phenomenon (PRP), are essential for pain reduction and functional improvement. Comparative evidence on these techniques' efficacy in improving pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional abilities remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement and Compression Pain Release Phenomenon on pain, range of motion, and functional abilities in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 34 participants aged 25–45 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of PFPS and unilateral anterior knee pain (AKP) for over two months. Participants were recruited from the physical therapy departments of Faisal Hospital, Mujahid Hospital, and Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n=17 each). Group A received MWM, while Group B underwent PRP, with both interventions delivered over 8 sessions (2 sessions per week). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while ROM was measured with a goniometer. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants in Group A was 32.76 ± 5.60 years, and in Group B, it was 33.33 ± 4.58 years. Gender distribution indicated that 70.6% of participants were female and 29.4% were male. Group A demonstrated a significant reduction in mean VAS scores from 5.87 ± 0.99 to 2.43 ± 0.57 (p<0.05), while Group B improved from 6.32 ± 1.26 to 2.85 ± 0.78 (p<0.05). ROM in Group A improved significantly from 119.71° ± 2.85 to 135.59° ± 2.70 (p<0.05), and Group B showed an increase from 119.36° ± 3.22 to 134.40° ± 2.42 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both Mulligan Mobilization with Movement and Compression Pain Release Phenomenon were found to be effective in reducing pain and improving ROM in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two interventions, indicating comparable efficacy.