Comparing the effect of thrust manipulation and muscle energy technique on pain and disability in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction. Sacroiliac joint pain is described as pain in and around the joint along with dull pain in lower back due to biomechanical dysfunction in the sacroiliac region. Manual therapy is a common treatment for patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to examine the within-and between-group effects of high-velocity thrust manipulation and muscle energy technique in sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Methods. Thirty patients with low back pain were randomized to receive either high-velocity thrust manipulation (n = 15) or muscle energy technique (n = 15) for 6 sessions over 2 weeks. The outcomes included the Modified oswestry disability index (Modi) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The paired t-test and two-way ANCoVA were used for within-and between-group analysis, respectively. Results. A statistically significant difference was observed in baseline and post-treatment Modi and NPRS scores within the groups (p < 0.001). in turn, no statistically significant difference was found in baseline or post-treatment Modi and NPRS scores between the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The between-group effects were neither clinically nor statistically significant. The within-group effects were both significant and exceeded the reported minimal clinically important differences for the outcome tools of Modi and NPRS.