Randomized Controlled Trial of Multimodal Rehabilitation Versus Conventional Physiotherapy for Adults with Lateral Epicondylitis

What this Trial Is About

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a common elbow injury mainly affecting people who perform repetitive gripping or wrist movements, such as manual laborers. This research aims to compare a multimodal rehabilitation approach against conventional physiotherapy for treating lateral epicondylitis. The study addresses the lack of high-quality evidence on treatment effectiveness and uses a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate outcomes including pain, function, and grip strength. Participants are divided into two groups one receiving multimodal physiotherapy involving cold packs, passive stretching, eccentric exercises, neuromuscular rehabilitation, and joint mobilizations and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy including cold packs, stretching, active range of motion exercises, resisted wrist extension, and joint mobilization. Treatments are applied over an eight-month study period, with assessments conducted before and immediately after interventions. During the study, participants undergo evaluations using tools like a dynamometer to measure grip strength, a visual analogue scale for pain, and the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Questionnaire to assess function. Data is collected at baseline and right after treatment to analyze changes. The main outcome measured is grip strength after three weeks, with secondary outcomes including pain levels and patient-rated function. Statistical analysis is performed to compare results between groups, helping to establish the benefits of the multimodal rehabilitation protocol.

Multimodal Rehabilitation Approach in Patients of Lateral Epicondylitis