The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) verses Mulligan's technique in improving pain, grip strength, and functional outcomes in patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE).
Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a work-related musculoskeletal disorder caused by the tendon's inflammation of either one or both of the extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor carpi radialis brevis. It is often referred to tennis elbow. It manifests as pain on the lateral side of the elbow and reduced range of motion, which results in weakening and impairment in the forearm muscles (Ahmad et al., 2013).With no sex predisposition, LE is a widespread ailment that affects up to 3% of the population (Vaquero-Picado et al., 2017). Etiological factors of LE include overuse, repetitive movements, physically forceful occupational activities, exercise errors, misalignments, flexibility problems, ageing, muscle imbalances and psychological (e.g. job strain) factors. The estimated incidence of LE ranges from 2.0-11.3 per 100 worker-years in specific activity sectors (Herquelot et al., 2013; Bongers et al., 2002).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
45
The physical therapist will apply the occlusive cuff on the upper arm (brachium) with a pressure of 0.5 times of patient's systolic blood pressure. The physiotherapist will use the BFR cuffs from SAGA
First, the pain-free angle of application will be determined for each patient. The lateral condyle of the humerus will be fixed by the first bar space of the physiotherapist. The elbow joint will be glided until no pain will be felt in the elbow joint and the hand will be in the contracted position.
Eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, the most affected wrist extensor tendon, and static stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle will be provided as a home exercise program.
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt
Grip strength
The patients' maximal grip strength will be measured with a hand dynamometer.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Pain intensity
Measured using an 11-point numeric pain-rating scale.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) Score
Measures pain and disability (0-100 scale, with 100 = worst pain \& disability).
Time frame: 4 weeks
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