Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and ESWT in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi
About this trial
We aim to investigate the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Aged between 18 and 65 years.
Diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by a physician, with positive Mill's, Cozen's, or Thomsen tests.
Experiencing pain and tenderness over and around the lateral epicondyle for at least 3 months, with symptoms exacerbated by resisted elbow extension, wrist extension, gripping, and supination.
Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.
Disqualifiers
• Individuals with serious systemic or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate exercise of the hand and upper extremity.
Those diagnosed with upper extremity entrapment neuropathies.
Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy.
Individuals with open wounds on the hand or upper extremity.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program
Other interventionParticipants in the study group will follow a treatment protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) - 5 sessions, once per week - combined with stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and wrist extensor muscles, strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors, and an additional scapular stabilization exercise program. This combined program will be performed twice per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The scapular stabilization component will include strengthening exercises targeting the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. The program will consist of scapular clock exercises, wall push-up exercises, and wall slide or ball slide exercises performed on a wall.
Treatment groups
48 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: control groupActive comparator 1 intervention
Group B: Study groupExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Pain Assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). On this scale, a score of 0 indicates "no pain" and a score of 10 represents "the worst possible pain." Participants will be asked to mark their perceived pain level on a 10 cm horizontal line, anchored at 0 and 10. The distance from the left end of the line to the participant's mark will be measured in centimeters and recorded. The VAS is a valid and reliable tool for pain assessment. Pain will be evaluated separately at rest, during activity, and at night.
Time frame
From baseline assesment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks2
Scapular Position Assessment: (Lateral Scapular Slide Test)
The distance between the inferior angle of each scapula and the nearest spinous process will be measured in three different test positions on both sides using a measuring tape. A side-to-side difference of 1.5 cm or more is considered a positive result and indicates scapular asymmetry.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks3
Pressure Pain Threshold Measurement
Measurements will be performed with a digital algometer while the participant is seated, with the shoulder abducted at 30°, the elbow flexed at 90°, and the forearm, wrist, and hand supported. Pressure pain threshold will be measured over the lateral epicondyle. Three measurements will be taken at each point using the 1 cm² tip of the algometer, and the average of these three measurements will be recorded.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks4
Grip Strength
Patients' grip strength will be assessed using a Jamar hand dynamometer, following the protocol recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists.
Time frame
From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeksOther outcomes
1
Health-Related Quality of Life
Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) is a validated and reliable questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life. It includes 12 items covering both physical and mental health domains, and provides two summary scores: the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). Higher scores indicate better perceived health status.
Time frame
baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov