Effect of Multimodal Physiotherapy on Side-to-Side Differences in Knee Range of Motion and Strength in Postmenopausal Women with Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract: Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder affecting postmenopausal women, frequently resulting in pain, reduced muscle strength, stiffness and limitation in joint range of motion. Bilateral knee osteoarthritis presents with asymmetrical involvement between the left and right knee, leading to functional imbalance and altered gait mechanics. Multimodal physiotherapy interventions including manual therapy and therapeutic exercises are commonly used in the management. However, limited studies have investigated side-to-side differences in knee range of motion and muscle strength following multimodal physiotherapy interventions in postmenopausal women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Maitland Mobilisation combined with Isometric exercises and Dynamic Quadriceps and Maitland Mobilisation combined with Multiple-Angle Isometrics and Mini-squats on left and right knee range of motion and muscle strength in postmenopausal women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Sixty postmenopausal women aged 40-60 years diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren Lawrence grade II-III) were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received Maitland Mobilisation with Isometric exercises and Dynamic Quadriceps whereas Group B received Maitland Mobilisation with Multiple-Angle Isometrics and Mini-squats. Interventions were administered for three sessions per week for four weeks. Outcome measures included Range of Motion (Active and Passive) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in, increase in range of motion and muscle strength. However, the interventions used in Group B demonstrated comparatively greater improvement in both the outcome measures. Although improvements were observed bilaterally, the right knee demonstrated slightly better outcome in range of motion parameter as well as muscle strength improvements. Conclusion: The study provides evidence regarding the effectiveness of multimodal physiotherapy interventions in improving side-specific knee range of motion and muscle strength in postmenopausal women with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The findings guide clinicians to design targeted protocols for patients presenting with asymmetrical and bilateral involvement. Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, Postmenopausal Women, Maitland Mobilisation, Isometric Exercise, Multiple-Angle Isometrics. Title: Effect of Multimodal Physiotherapy on Side-to-Side Differences in Knee Range of Motion and Strength in Postmenopausal Women with Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis Author: Sehajleen Kaur, Varinder Kaur International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 99-108 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 11-May-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20119808 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/effect-of-multimodal-physiotherapy-on-side-to-side-differences-in-knee-range-of-motion-and-strength-in-postmenopausal-women-with-bilateral-knee-osteoarthritis