The cognitive-behavioral aspects of the Mulligan concept of manual therapy: A systematic review

Low back pain is a common clinical problem that causes disability. The Mulligan Concept (MC) of manual therapy (MT) is a physiotherapy approach for managing spinal conditions. This systematic review aimed to investigate the biopsychosocial effects of the MC of MT when applied to patients with low back pain. The review included six studies that examined the effect of MC techniques on cognitive and behavioral parameters in patients with LBP. The studies showed that MC has a positive effect on cognitive behavioral components, even though without a long-term follow-up assessment. The review concluded that the evidence of the MC on cognitive behavioral aspects of patients with LBP is controversial and scarce. Further studies are needed to investigate the biopsychosocial effects of the MC’s techniques for treating patients with LBP.

• 1
  Studies applying the Mulligan Concept of Manual Therapy to treat Low Back Pain often lacked concern for the intervention's effect on cognitive and behavioral parameters.
• 2
  Studies measuring cognitive behavioral components showed the Mulligan Concept has a positive effect, although without long-term follow-up.
• 3
  Evidence of the Mulligan Concept's effect on cognitive behavioral aspects of patients with Low Back Pain is controversial and scarce.