A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia.
A systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) was carried out. Seventy six randomised controlled trials were identified, 28 of which satisfied the minimum criteria for meta-analysis. The evidence suggests that extracorporeal shock wave therapy is not beneficial in the treatment of tennis elbow. There is a lack of evidence for the long term benefit of physical interventions in general. However, further research with long term follow up into manipulation and exercise as treatments is indicated.
Division of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
L
L
Bisset
A
A
Paungmali
B
B
Vicenzino
E
E
Beller
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome