Comparative Effects of Mulligan Mobilization, Kinesiotaping, and Placebo on Functional Outcomes and Overuse Symptoms in Young Basketball Players: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

Selda Veizaj Sokoli; Klotilda Vrenjo; Aida Zotaj; Luljeta Stanaj; Mazen El-Rayes

Authors

Selda Veizaj Sokoli Department of Medical Technical Sciences, Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4758-9417
Klotilda Vrenjo Department of Education and Health, University of Sports Tirana, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2817-4355
Aida Zotaj Department of Medical Technical Sciences, Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8996-3144
Luljeta Stanaj MotherTeresa’s University Hospital Centre, Tirana, Albania https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3936-801X
Mazen El-Rayes Higher Technological Institute, The Tenth of Ramadan, Cairo, Egypt https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0304-2615

Keywords:

Mulligan Mobilization with Movement, Kinesiotaping, Knee Injuries, Functional Outcomes, Overuse Symptoms, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

This study comparatively evaluated the short-term effects of Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MWM), Kinesiotaping, and placebo on knee function and overuse-related symptoms in young basketball players (U16–U20) with knee injuries. A three-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2024 to March 2026 in Tirana, Albania, involving 60 participants randomly allocated to the MWM, Kinesiotaping, and placebo groups. Knee function was quantitatively assessed using the Knee Outcome Survey–Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) and Sports Activity Scale (KOS-SAS), while overuse-related symptoms were evaluated using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) Overuse Injury Questionnaire. Assessments were performed at baseline, 1 h after treatment, and at 2 weeks of follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed using JASP version 0.19.2 to evaluate temporal changes and differences among the intervention groups. No significant main Group effects were observed (p > 0.05), indicating no overall superiority of MWM or Kinesiotaping over placebo. Significant Time effects and Group × Time interactions were observed for KOS-ADLS, KOS-SAS, and OSTRC scores (p < 0.001), indicating significant improvements over time and distinct patterns of change across the intervention groups. Post hoc analyses demonstrated greater improvements at the 2-week follow-up than at 1 h after treatment. Overall, the findings demonstrate measurable improvements in knee function and overuse-related symptoms during the study period, without evidence of overall superiority of any intervention. These findings provide quantitative evidence for the comparative evaluation of conservative rehabilitation interventions and may support individualized, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for young basketball players with knee injuries.