The effects of caudal mobilisation with movement (MWM) and caudal self-mobilisation with movement (SMWM) in relation to restricted internal rotation in the hip: A randomised control pilot study.

BACKGROUND: A loss of internal rotation (IR) of the hip is associated with hip pathology. Improving IR may improve hip range of motion (ROM) or prevent hip pathology.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of caudal mobilisation with movement (MWM) and caudal self-mobilisation with movement (SMWM) on young healthy male subjects with reduced IR of the hip.

DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial was performed. Twenty-Two subjects were randomised into a MWM group (n = 6), SMWM group (n = 8) or a control group (n = 8).

METHOD: The primary outcome measures included the functional internal rotation test (FIRT) for the hip and the passive seated internal rotation test (SIRT) for the hip. Outcomes were captured at baseline and immediately after one treatment of MWMs, SMWMs or control.

RESULTS: A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), group × time interaction was conducted. The ANOVA revealed the only significant improvement was in the MWM group for the FIRT (p = 0.01), over the control group. Subjects with reduced IR of the hip who receive a single session of MWMs exhibited significantly improved functional IR of their hip than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: From the data presented, it can be suggested that caudal MWMs of the hip appear to have a positive effect on functional IR of healthy young hips. This may be due to addressing the positional fault theory or the arthrogenic muscular inhibition theory. SMWMs may be effective in augmenting treatments for patients waiting for hip operations.