title: Initial effects of elbow taping on pain-free grip strength and pressure pain threshold.
abstract: METHODS
  Single-blind, placebo control, randomized, crossover, experimental study with repeated measures.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the initial effects of a taping technique on grip strength and pain in individuals with lateral epicondylalgia.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Taping techniques are advocated for chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as lateral epicondylalgia, a prevalent disorder with significant impact on the individual and community. Little evidence exists supporting the effects of taping techniques on musculoskeletal pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen participants (mean age +/- SD, 45.8 +/- 10.2 years) with chronic lateral epicondylalgia (mean duration +/- SD, 13.1 +/- 9.9 months) participated in a placebo control study of an elbow taping technique. Outcome measures were pain-free grip strength and pressure pain threshold taken before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after application of tape.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The taping technique significantly improved pain-free grip strength by 24% from baseline (P = .028). The treatment effect was greater than that for placebo and control conditions. Changes in pressure pain threshold (19%), although positive, were not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preliminary study demonstrated an initial ameliorative effect of a taping technique for lateral epicondylalgia and suggests that it should be considered as an adjunct in the management of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury Research Unit, Department of Physiotherapy, Univeersily of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia. b.vicenzino@mailbox.uq.edu.au
authors.forename: Bill
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vicenzino
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brooksbank
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Minto
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Offord
authors.forename: Aatit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paungmali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017288:Pain Threshold; D011312:Pressure; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*