Effect of Maitland mobilization on lumbar proprioception, pain, and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Abstract

Introduction To investigate the short-term effect of Maitland mobilization on lumbar proprioception, pain intensity, and functional disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP). Methods Fifty-four subjects aged 18–30 years old with CNSLBP were randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group received a selected exercise program (stretching, strengthening, and lumbar stabilization exercises) and Maitland posterior-anterior vertebral mobilization three sessions /week, whereas the control group received exercises only. Lumbar repositioning error (LRE), pain intensity, and function disability were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer, visual analog scale (VAS), and the Arabic version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. Measurements were taken at baseline and four weeks after intervention. Results Within-group analysis showed a significant decrease in LRE, VAS, and ODI after treatment ( p < 0.001). Between-group analysis revealed a significant difference between groups post-intervention favoring the Maitland mobilization group ( p < 0.001) where the mean differences at 95% confidence interval were (–2.10, –1.36) for LRE, (–34.53, –25.61) for VAS and (–9, –7.07) for ODI. Conclusions Maitland lumbar mobilization is effective in improving lumbar proprioception, pain intensity, and functional disability in patients with CNSLBP.

Keywords

• maitland mobilization
• chronic nonspecific low back pain
• functional disability
• lumbar proprioception