The immediate effects of orthoses on pain in people with lateral epicondylalgia

Immediate effects of counterforce brace with and without vibration on pain, muscle strength and range of motion in participants with lateral epicondylitis. A pilot study

Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common elbow problems. Counterforce braces are commonly used to manage lateral epicondylitis. Recent studies showed that vibration can decrease pain and increase muscle strength by improving motor abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a counterforce brace with and without vibration on pain, muscular strength, wrist and elbow joints range of motion in the participants with lateral epicondylitis. In this repeated measure pre-post clinical trial study, 28 participants with lateral epicondylitis were included. Pain were measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), wrist and elbow flexor/extensor muscles strength with digital dynamometer, wrist and elbow flexion/extension range of motion with goniometer in 3 condition baseline, counterforce brace and counterforce brace with vibration. Pain using counterforce bracing with vibration showed a significant reduction as compared with baseline and counterforce bracing (P < 0.001). Wrist flexor muscles strength (P = 0.005), elbow flexor/extensor muscles strength respectively (P = 0.04, P = 0.02), wrist flexion/extension range of motion (P < 0.001) following the use of counterforce bracing with vibration increased significantly compared with baseline. The results show that the counterforce bracing with and without vibration relieves pain and improves range of motion and muscles strength in lateral epicondylitis participants, but this improvement is more significant with the use of vibration.

The Effects of the Mulligan Concept on Adults With Lateral Epicondylalgia Compared With Traditional Physiotherapy: A Critically Appraised Topic

Focused Clinical Question: What are the effects of the Mulligan Concept combined with traditional physiotherapy on lateral elbow pain and grip strength in adults with lateral epicondylalgia (LE) compared with traditional physiotherapy? Clinical Bottom Line: Grade B evidence supports positive effects of the Mulligan Concept combined with traditional physiotherapy on LE compared with traditional physiotherapy alone. However, the effects of the Mulligan Concept as a standalone intervention in the treatment of LE are not well known. Therefore, additional research is warranted to determine the individual effects of the Mulligan Concept compared with its use in a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol to treat LE in adults.

Does Kinesiotaping improve pain and functionality in patients with newly diagnosed lateral epicondylitis?

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the short-term effects of kinesiotaping and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) along with physiotherapy on pain, functionality, and grip strength in patients with newly diagnosed lateral epicondylitis undergoing rehabilitation.

METHODS

Forty-five voluntary patients (mean age 48 years) were randomly assigned to three groups. Patients in all groups received physiotherapy consisting of a cold pack and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation five times per week for a total of 15 sessions and a home exercise programme including stretching and eccentric strength exercises. In the second group, patients received kinesiotaping 5 days a week for 3 weeks. In the third group, ESWT was applied three times for 3 weeks. Patients were assessed by visual analogue scale for pain intensity, pain-free grip strength using a hand dynamometer, Cyriax Resisted Muscle Test, and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Scale. All measurements were collected at baseline and after treatment.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics of the patients in all groups at baseline. Intra-group analysis revealed that pain intensity decreased, whereas maximum grip strength and functionality increased in all groups at the end of the treatment (p < 0.05). Inter-group analysis revealed that the kinesiotaping group yielded better results in decreasing pain intensity than the other groups (p < 0.05). The kinesiotaping group (p < 0.001) and ESWT group (p = 0.002) yielded better results in improving functionality than the physiotherapy group. There were significant differences in recovering pain-free grip strength in the kinesiotaping group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kinesiotaping was found to be effective for decreasing pain intensity, recovering grip strength, and improving functionality in patients with lateral epicondylitis undergoing rehabilitation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level II.

A Newly Designed Tennis Elbow Orthosis With a Traditional Tennis Elbow Strap in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

BACKGROUND

Lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of pain and upper limb dysfunction. The use of counterforce straps for treatment of lateral epicondylitis is widespread. This kind of orthosis can be modified to have a greater effect on relieving pain by reducing tension on the origin of the extensor pronator muscles.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the immediate effects of a newly designed orthosis on pain and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve participants (six men and six women) were recruited (mean age = 41 ± 6.7 years) and evaluated for pain and grip strength in three sessions. A 48-hour break was taken between each session. The first session was without any orthosis, the second session was with the new modified tennis elbow orthosis, and the third session was with a conventional tennis elbow strap.

RESULTS

Both counterforce straps were effective. However, significantly more improvement was observed in pain and grip strength after using the newly modified orthosis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly designed strap reduces pain more effectively and improves grip strength by causing greater localized pressure on two regions with different force applications (two component vectors versus one).