Article

Although it is well known that grip
strength is adversely affected by lateral epicondylosis (LE), the effect of LE on
rapid grip force generation is unclear.
PURPOSE : To evaluate the
effect of LE on the ability to rapidly generate grip force. METHODS: Twenty-eight
participants with LE (13 unilateral and 15 bilateral LE) and 13 healthy controls
participated in this study. A multiaxis profile dynamometer was used to evaluate
grip strength and rapid grip force generation. The ability to rapidly produce
force is composed of the electromechanical delay and rate of force development.
Electromechanical delay is defined as the time between the onset of electrical
activity and the onset of muscle force production. The Patient-rated Tennis Elbow
Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire was used to assess pain and functional
disability. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate tendon degeneration.
RESULTS: LE-injured upper extremities had lower rate of force development (50
lb/sec, confidence interval [CI]: 17, 84) and less grip strength (7.8 lb, CI:
3.3, 12.4) than nonnjured extremities. Participants in the LE group had a longer
electromechanical delay (- 59% , CI: 29, 97) than controls. Peak rate of force
development had a higher correlation (r = 0.56; p<0.05) with PRTEE function than
grip strength (r = 0.47; p<0.05) and electromechanical delay (r = 0.30; p>0.05)
for participants with LE. In addition to a reduction in grip strength, those with
LE had a reduction in rate of force development and an increase in
electromechanical delay. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these changes may contribute
to an increase in reaction time, which may affect risk for recurrent symptoms.
These findings suggest that therapists may need to address both strength and
rapid force development deficits in patients with LE.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3B.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights
reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS