Comparing the Effects of Maitland versus Kaltenborn Mobilization in Reducing Pain and Improving Range of Motion in Patients with Knee Pain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71000/yvzy0292Keywords:
Joint mobilization; Kaltenborn technique; Knee pain; Maitland technique; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; Randomized clinical trial; Range of motionAbstract
Background: Knee pain associated with osteoarthritis and other mechanical knee disorders is frequently accompanied by pain, stiffness, and restricted range of motion. Joint mobilization is commonly used as an adjunct to exercise, although direct comparisons of Maitland and Kaltenborn grading approaches remain limited.
Objective: To compare Maitland Grade II and III mobilization with Kaltenborn Grade I and II mobilization for reducing resting knee pain and improving active knee flexion and extension range of motion.
Methods: This randomized parallel-group clinical trial analyzed 40 adults aged 30–60 years with chronic knee pain. Twenty participants received Maitland Grade II and III mobilization plus exercise (Group A), and 20 received Kaltenborn Grade I and II mobilization plus the same exercise program (Group B). Treatment was delivered three times weekly for four weeks (12 sessions). Resting pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and active knee flexion and extension were measured by goniometry at baseline and after four weeks.
Results: Baseline between-group differences were not significant for resting NPRS, knee flexion, or knee extension. At four weeks, resting pain was lower in Group B than Group A (0.85±0.81 vs 1.65±1.03; p=0.010). Knee flexion was greater in Group B (117.90±3.97° vs 114.50±4.85°; p=0.020), and the flexion improvement was larger in Group B (9.50±2.11° vs 7.55±1.63°; p=0.002). Post-treatment knee extension also differed between groups (1.80±2.52° vs 0.05±2.08°; p=0.022), although the change in extension did not differ significantly (5.30±1.65° vs 4.80±1.67°; p=0.347).
Conclusion: Both treatment protocols were associated with reduced pain and improved knee range of motion over four weeks. Under the dosages used in this trial, Kaltenborn Grade I and II mobilization combined with exercise produced lower post-treatment resting pain and a greater improvement in knee flexion than Maitland Grade II and III mobilization combined with the same exercise program. The modest between-group differences and short follow-up warrant cautious interpretation.
Keywords: Joint mobilization; Kaltenborn technique; Knee pain; Maitland technique; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; Randomized clinical trial; Range of motion
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kaynat Fatima, Kiran, Maryam Imdad, Rabeet Zaima Khan, Minahil Atif, Fatima Arif, Ayesha Tariq Rao, Noreen, Iqra Tahir, Dr Rafia Imtiaz (Author)
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