Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Combined with Neuromuscular Control Training Versus Mulligan's Mobilization with Movement Combined with Core Stabilization on Pain, Lumbopelvic Stability, And Functional Disability in Patients with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Abstract

Background: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that contributes significantly to low back pain, lumbopelvic instability, and functional disability. Despite growing therapeutic options, comparative evidence regarding multimodal physiotherapy interventions remains limited.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) combined with Neuromuscular Control Training (NMCT) versus Mulligan's Mobilization with Movement (MWM) combined with Core Stabilization (CS) on pain intensity, lumbopelvic stability, and functional disability in patients with SIJD.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with SIJD (age 25–55 years). Participants were randomly assigned to Group A (MET + NMCT, n = 30) or Group B (MWM + CS, n = 30). Both groups received 12 treatment sessions over 4 weeks. Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Active Straight Leg Raise test (ASLR) for lumbopelvic stability, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability. Assessments were performed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.
Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures from baseline to 4 weeks (p < 0.001). Group A (MET + NMCT) showed superior improvements in NPRS (mean reduction: 3.8 ± 0.9 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.002), ASLR scores (mean improvement: 1.6 ± 0.5 vs. 1.2 ± 0.6, p = 0.014), and ODI scores (mean reduction: 22.4% ± 5.1 vs. 17.6% ± 6.3, p = 0.003) compared to Group B. Between-group differences were statistically significant for all outcomes.
Conclusion: Both MET combined with NMCT and MWM combined with CS are effective in managing SIJD. However, the MET + NMCT combination demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing pain, improving lumbopelvic stability, and decreasing functional disability. These findings support the integration of MET and neuromuscular retraining as a preferred multimodal approach in clinical practice.