Comparison of effects of eccentric training, eccentric-concentric training, and eccentric-concentric training combined with isometric contraction in the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy.
METHODS
RCT.


BACKGROUND
Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a common clinical condition. eccentric exercises. eccentric-concentric loading and, isometric exercises are indicated to reduce and manage tendon pain.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of eccentric training, eccentric-concentric training, and eccentric-concentric training combined with isometric contraction in the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy.


METHODS
A randomized clinical trial was carried out in a rheumatology and rehabilitation center. A group of 34 patients with later elbow tendinopathy was randomly allocated to Group A (n = 11) who underwent eccentric training, Group B had eccentric-concentric and Group C who had eccentric-concentric and isometric training. All patients received 5 treatments per week for 4 weeks. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale and function using a visual analog scale and pain-free grip strength at the end of the 4-week course of treatment (week 4) and 1 month (week 8) after the end of treatment.


RESULTS
The eccentric-concentric training combined with isomentric contractions produced the largest effect in the reduction of pain and improvement of function at the end of the treatment (P < .05) and at any of the follow-up time points (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The eccentric-concentric training combined with isomentric contractions was the most effective treatment. Future well-designed studies are needed to confirm the results of the present trial.


METHODS
III.
Department of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Program, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus. Electronic address: D.Stassinopoulos@euc.ac.cy.
Dimitrios
D
Stasinopoulos
Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Centre, Athens, Greece.
Ioannis
I
Stasinopoulos
D000328:Adult; D000070639:Elbow Tendinopathy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
Eccentric training; Isometric; Lateral elbow tendinopathy eccentric-concentric training; Lateral epicondylitis; Tennis elbow