Research Methodology: Research Design, Sampling and Intervention Procedure

This chapter describes the research methodology adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and exercise interventions in patients with lateral epicondylitis. The methodology provides a systematic framework for conducting the study, including the research design, population, sampling technique, data collection tools, treatment protocols, and statistical analysis procedures.

The study adopted an experimental comparative research design. The population consisted of patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis who attended the physiotherapy department of Pacific Medical College & Hospital, Udaipur, India. A total of 180 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were selected through a systematic random sampling technique and divided into three groups: Experimental Group A (Mobilization with Movement and ultrasound therapy), Experimental Group B (Exercise therapy combined with ultrasound therapy), and Control Group C (Ultrasound therapy only).

Pain intensity, grip strength, and functional status were assessed using standardized outcome measures including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hand Held Dynamometer, and the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire. Participants underwent treatment sessions over a period of two weeks. Mobilization with Movement techniques were applied according to Mulligan principles, while the exercise group performed strengthening and stretching exercises using Thera bands.

The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods including paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and ANOVA to determine intra-group and inter-group differences. Statistical significance was set at a 5% level. This methodological framework ensured reliability and validity in evaluating the comparative effectiveness of treatment approaches for lateral epicondylitis.