Comparison of Maitland Passive Joint Mobilization and Self-Rehabilitation on Function, Activity, and Quality of Life in Beninese Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial

Background: Orthopedic manual therapy is currently considered as an alternative approach for treating hip osteoarthritis. However, studies assessing its efficacy in low-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Objectives: Investigating the effectiveness of Maitland passive joint mobilization (Maitland PJM) compared to self-rehabilitation in patients with hip osteoarthritis in Benin, a low-income country, in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: This was a pragmatic, single-blind, two-arm randomized trial involving 66 participants randomly assigned into two groups (Maitland PJM group, n = 33, and self-rehabilitation group, n = 33). Both interventions took 5 weeks. The primary outcome (pain) was evaluated using numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes (passive hip range of motion, muscles strength, walking, and quality of life) were assessed using goniometry, medical research council, 10 m walk test, and short-form 36. Participants were assessed at baseline, after interventions and 3-month follow-up. Results: Forty-nine patients (Maitland PJM group, n = 22, self-rehabilitation, n = 27) completed the sessions. Within-group analyses showed a significant improvement in body function, walking speed, and quality of life (p < 0.05) after interventions and at 3-month follow-up within both groups. No significant differences in any outcomes were observed between the Maitland PJM and self-rehabilitation groups, after interventions and at the 3-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Maitland passive joint mobilization and self-rehabilitation similarly improved function, walking speed, and quality of life in Beninese patients with hip osteoarthritis. Trial RegistrationPACTR201911553990405