An alternative approach to treating lateral epicondylitis. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of noxious level electrical stimulation on pain, grip strength and functional abilities in subjects with chronic lateral epicondylitis.


METHODS
Randomized, placebo-control, double-blinded study.


METHODS
Physical Therapy Department, North Georgia College and State University.


METHODS
Eighteen subjects with chronic lateral epicondylitis between the ages of 24 and 72 years participated in this study. Subjects were randomly assigned into treatment or placebo groups.


METHODS
Subjects received six sessions of low-frequency electrical stimulation over the palpated tender points. The intensity of electrical stimulation was set at 0 in the placebo group.


METHODS
Grip strength, functional status, pain intensity and limited activity due to pain were assessed before and after treatment. Six-month follow-up data were collected in treatment group only.


RESULTS
Both clinically and statistically significant improvements in average grip strength were found (treatment group: 28% increase; placebo group: 2.5% decrease; P=0.04), functional activity (treatment group: 110% increase; placebo group: 22% increase; P= 0.003), pain intensity (treatment group: 3.1 point decrease; placebo group: 0.2 point increase; P=0.01) and activity limitation due to pain (treatment group: 4.1 points increase; placebo group: 1.9 point decrease; P= 0.003) between the treatment and placebo groups. Follow-up data showed that 100% of subjects maintained the improved function, and 83% remained pain-free for at least six months post treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicated that symptoms of chronic lateral epicondylitis could be effectively treated by noxious level low-frequency electrical stimulation.
Reza Nourbakhsh
Mohammad
M
Department of Physical Therapy, North Georgia College and State University, Georgia, USA. mrnourbakhsh@ngcsu.edu
Fearon
Frank J
FJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome