Effects of Scapular Strength Exercise for Patients With Lateral Epicondylalgia

Effects of Scapular Strength Exercise for Patients With Lateral Epicondylalgia a Randomized Clinical Trial

the aim of the study is to determine whether a scapular strength exercise program combined with a conventional exercise program in epicondylar region in patients with lateral epicondylalgia produces statistically significant improvements in pain in the short and medium term compared to a conventional exercise program.

It is a single-blind clinical trial design, with third-party evaluation. There are two groups, the control group and the experimental group. In the control group, only the conventional exercise program for epicondylar muscles will be performed and the experimental group will also perform a scapular exercise program. Group assignment is randomized using the G* POWER software program, following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Variables related to pain, functionality, pressure pain threshold, prehensile strength and quality of life will be measured. The study will last 7 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• tenderness over the epicondyle.
• Clinical diagnosis of LD for at least 3 months.
• Positive Mills and Maudsley test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical root syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy.
• Fractures or surgical history in the shoulder or elbow.
• History of elbow immobilization.
• Limitation in range of motion of the shoulder.
• Having undergone upper limb surgery in the last 6 months
• Unhealed wound in the region in the treatment area
• Impairment at a cognitive level that makes understanding with the therapist impossible.
• Neural entrapment of the radial nerve.
• Corticosteroid infiltration in the upper limb to be treated.