BACKGROUND: As a serious global problem, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) often leads to pain and disability. Manual therapy is widely used as a kind of physical treatment for KOA. AIM To explore further the efficacy of Maitland and Mulligan mobilization methods for adults with KOA. METHODS: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to September 20, 2020 to collect studies comparing Maitland and Mulligan mobilization methods in adults with KOA. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale for randomized controlled trials. Data analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 341 articles were screened from five electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar) after excluding duplicates. Ultimately, eight trials involving 471 subjects were included in present systematic review and meta-analysis. The mean PEDro scale score was 6.6. Mulligan mobilization was more effective in alleviating pain (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 1.03, p = 0.007; I2 = 60%, p = 0.020) and improving Western Ontario and McMaster Universities function score (SMD 7.41; 95%CI 2.36 to 12.47, p = 0.004; I2 = 92%, p = 0.000). There was no difference in the effect of the two kinds of mobilization on improving the range of motion (SMD 9.63; 95%CI -1.23 to 20.48, p = 0.080; I2 = 97%, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Mulligan mobilization technique is a promising intervention in alleviating pain and improving function score in KOA patients.

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