Background: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint disorders. It causes pain, stiffness and a decreased range of motion which have a significant impact on daily activities and gait, consequently leading to disability.
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare hip mobilization with non-weight bearing exercises.
Methods: A total of 57 females aged between 55-65 were divided into 2 groups. In the control group non-weight bearing exercises were conducted, whereas the research group received hip mobilization.
Results: The Lequesne index significantly improved in the research group as compared with the control group. Hip function improved both in the control and research groups. Active hip extension increased by 0.54, while active abduction rose by 2.14 after non-weight bearing exercises. In the control group after mobilization both passive and active hip extension increased significantly by 3.53, active abduction by 5 and passive by 4.41, while active and passive internal rotation by 3.82 and 4.56, respectively. In both groups pain decreased.
Conclusions: Mobilization increases hip range of motion, decreases pain and improves hip function more than non-weight bearing exercises.
Keywords: Hip osteoarthritis; manual therapy; mobilization; therapeutic exercises.