Effectiveness of Bowen Technique Versus Mulligan Patellar Mobilization on Joint Mobility and Strength in Basketball Players with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/2sd68h26Keywords:
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Bowen Technique, Mulligan Mobilization, manual therapy, basketball, randomized controlled trial, rehabilitationAbstract
Background: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent condition among basketball players, characterized by anterior knee pain and functional limitations resulting from altered joint mechanics, muscle imbalance, and overuse. Manual therapy techniques such as Mulligan Patellar Mobilization (MPM) and Bowen Technique (BT) are commonly employed to alleviate symptoms, yet comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness remains limited. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Bowen Technique and Mulligan Patellar Mobilization on pain reduction, joint mobility, muscle strength, and functional performance in basketball players with PFPS. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 60 basketball players aged 18–35 years diagnosed with PFPS. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either BT or MPM, administered twice weekly for six weeks. Primary outcomes included knee range of motion (ROM) and isokinetic muscle strength; secondary outcomes were pain intensity assessed via Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional performance measured by the Functional Performance Test. Results: Both interventions resulted in significant within-group improvements (p<0.001) across all outcomes. Between-group comparisons favored BT for greater pain reduction (mean difference 0.8 VAS points, p=0.045), flexion ROM (mean difference 3.3°, p=0.036), flexion strength (mean difference 2.5 Nm, p=0.041), and functional performance (mean difference 4.4 points, p=0.038). Conclusion: Bowen Technique and Mulligan Patellar Mobilization are effective for managing PFPS in basketball players; however, BT demonstrated superior clinical improvements, suggesting its potential as a preferred manual therapy approach.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zeeshan Taqi, Najam, Syed Meeran Hasnain, Asma Lashari, Arooj Fatima, Muhammad Hamza (Author)
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