Efeitos do conceito Mulligan em idosos com osteoartrose no joelho: análise sobre a dor, mobilidade funcional e equilíbrio dinâmico

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are frequent in the elderly and affect functional capacity due to pain, decreased balance and mobility. The Mulligan Concept techniques make it possible to reduce or eliminate pain during movement, enabling its use in musculoskeletal injuries and joint dysfunctions. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the Mulligan Concept movement mobilization technique (MWM) on pain and impairment of functional mobility and dynamic balance in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: Quasi-experimental and descriptive study, carried out with 80 elderly residents in the city of Goiânia. Participants underwent the Analog Pain Scale, Time Up Go and the Y Balance Test, in order to assess pain, functional mobility and dynamic balance, respectively. The MWM technique was applied in a single session, with assessment performed before and after the intervention. Results: The mean age of the participants was 66,59 years (±5,71), and 76,3% were women. There was a significant reduction in pain intensity (p<0,01), as well as improvement in functional mobility (p<0,01) and dynamic balance of the lower limbs (p<0,01). Conclusion: The application of the Mulligan Concept MWM technique led to considerable improvement in pain, functional mobility and dynamic balance of the lower limb bilaterally, demonstrating the important role of the referred technique in the physiotherapeutic treatment of elderly people with gonarthrosis.