Study on Adding Scapular Stabilization Exercises to Shock Wave Therapy for Treating Lateral Epicondylitis Effects on Pain, Muscle Strength, Function, and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to extracorporeal shock wave therapy ESWT for treating lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow. The study aims to assess how this combination affects pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life in adults aged 18 to 65 with this condition. Forty-eight participants are included and randomly assigned to two groups for comparison. One group receives ESWT once a week for five sessions, along with stretching and strengthening exercises for wrist extensor muscles. The other group receives the same ESWT and exercises plus additional scapular stabilization exercises targeting specific shoulder muscles, performed twice a week over eight weeks. The scapular exercises include scapular clock, wall push-up, and wall slide or ball slide movements. Participants will be evaluated at the start and after eight weeks of treatment for pain using the Visual Analog Scale, scapular position, pressure pain threshold, grip strength, muscle strength, and functional status. These assessments aim to measure improvements and changes due to the treatments. The study will monitor participants closely during the treatment period to observe these outcomes and their quality of life.

Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and ESWT in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis