Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Wrist Splint And Kinesiotaping Treatments In Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Wrist Splint And Kinesiotaping Treatments In Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
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.
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.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: