Lateral Epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow
Conditions
Keywords
lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow, kinesiotaping, wrist splint, rehabilitation
Brief summary
Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a common condition that causes pain in the elbow and forearm, especially in people who perform repetitive wrist movements. In most patients, symptoms improve over time, but in some cases, pain may persist for longer periods.Exercise programs are commonly used in treatment to reduce pain and improve arm function. Kinesiology taping is another method that may help reduce pain by improving blood circulation and supporting muscle movement. Wrist-hand splints are also used to allow the affected muscles to rest by keeping the wrist in a supported position, which may help reduce pain and improve daily activities.The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of kinesiology taping and wrist splint use in the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Detailed description
This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of wrist splint and kinesiotaping treatments in patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis. A total of 150 patients aged between 18 and 65 years who were clinically diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: the kinesiotaping group, the wrist splint group, and the control group, with 50 patients in each group. The kinesiotaping group received kinesiotaping applications twice a week for a total of six sessions using muscle inhibition and epidermis-dermis-fascia (EDF) techniques. The wrist splint group was instructed to use a static wrist-hand splint for three weeks. The control group received cold application and a home exercise program. All groups were provided with standardized cold application and home exercise programs. Patients were evaluated at baseline, at the end of treatment, and at the fourth week after treatment. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer, functional status assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), quality of life assessed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and treatment satisfaction evaluated using the Roles and Maudsley score. The primary objective of this study was to compare the effects of kinesiotaping using muscle inhibition and epidermis-dermis-fascia techniques and wrist splint use on pain, functional outcomes, grip strength, and quality of life in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Interventions
OTHERKinesiotaping
Kinesiotaping was applied twice a week for a total of six sessions using muscle inhibition and epidermis-dermis-fascia (EDF) techniques. In addition, participants received standardized cold application and a home exercise program.
DEVICEWrist-Hand Splint
Participants were instructed to use a static wrist-hand splint for three weeks to maintain the wrist in a slightly extended position. Standardized cold application and a home exercise program were also provided.
OTHERConservative treatment
Participants received standardized cold application and a home exercise program without kinesiotaping or splint use.
Sponsors
Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Due to the nature of the interventions, including kinesiotaping and wrist splint use, masking of participants and investigators was not feasible. Therefore, the study was conducted as an open-label trial.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomized into three parallel groups receiving kinesiotaping, wrist splint, or control interventions.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age 18-65 years * Clinically diagnosed lateral epicondylitis * Elbow pain for at least 3 months * Ability to understand and comply with study procedures * Written informed consent provided
Exclusion criteria
* Previous surgery to the affected elbow * Corticosteroid injection to the affected elbow within the last 6 months * Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity * Inflammatory rheumatic diseases and fibromyalgia * Fracture or trauma of the upper extremity within the last 6 months * Pregnancy * Participation in another clinical study during the study period
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain intensity | All assessments were conducted by the same evaluator at baseline, at the end of the 3-week treatment period, and 4 weeks following treatment completion. | Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grip strength | All assessments were conducted by the same evaluator at baseline, at the end of the 3-week treatment period, and 4 weeks following treatment completion. | Grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Participants were seated with the shoulder in adduction, the elbow flexed at 90°, and the forearm positioned in neutral rotation between supination and pronation. Measurements were performed using the second and third handle settings of the dynamometer. Three consecutive trials were conducted, and the mean value was calculated and recorded in kilograms. |
| Upper extremity function | All assessments were conducted by the same evaluator at baseline, at the end of the 3-week treatment period, and 4 weeks following treatment completion. | Upper extremity function and symptoms were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The 30-item core section (DASH-FS) was used to assess functional status and symptom severity. In addition, the optional Work (DASH-W) and Sports/Music (DASH-SM) modules were administered when applicable. All items were scored on a 5-point Likert scale, and scores were calculated on a 0-100 scale, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The Turkish version of the DASH, which has established validity and reliability, was used in this study. |
| Health-related quality of life | All assessments were conducted by the same evaluator at baseline, at the end of the 3-week treatment period, and 4 weeks following treatment completion. | Health-related quality of life was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The questionnaire evaluates eight domains, including physical functioning, role limitations due to physical and emotional problems, bodily pain, general health perception, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Each domain is scored on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better perceived health status. |
| Treatment satisfaction | All assessments were conducted by the same evaluator at the end of the 3-week treatment period, and 4 weeks following treatment completion. | Patient satisfaction with treatment will be evaluated using the Roles and Maudsley scoring system. Post-treatment outcomes will be classified into four categories: excellent, good, acceptable, and poor. |
| Patient-Rated Forearm Evaluation Questionnaire) (PRFEQ) | All assessments were conducted by the same evaluator at baseline, at the end of the 3-week treatment period, and 4 weeks following treatment completion. | The Patient-Rated Forearm Evaluation Questionnaire (PRFEQ), a scoring system with established Turkish validity and reliability, was used to assess arm-related pain and functional status over the previous week (19). The questionnaire evaluates pain with 5 items and function with 10 items. Pain items are scored on a 0-10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Functional items are also scored on a 0-10 cm VAS, ranging from 0 (extreme difficulty) to 10 (no difficulty). Mean pain and function scores, as well as the total score, are calculated for analysis. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed