Article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of radial
extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on pain, function, and grip strength in
the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis unresponsive to previous
treatments. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was
conducted in outpatient clinics in a medical faculty hospital.
Fifty-six patients
with lateral epicondylitis were randomized to rESWT (n = 28)
or sham rESWT (n =
28) groups. Both the patients and the outcome assessing investigator were blinded
to group assignment.
The rESWT was administered to the painful epicondyle at the
elbow with a total of 2000 pulses of 10 Hz frequency at a 1.8 bar of air pressure
at each session at three once weekly sessions. Sham rESWT was applied without the
contact of the applicator at the same area. Study patients were assessed at
baseline and at 1 and 3 mos after treatment using a visual analog scale for pain
and Roles and Maudsley scale and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation for pain
and function. Grip strength of the affected extremity was also measured using a
hand dynamometer. RESULTS: Both rESWT and sham rESWT groups showed a significant
improvement in all outcome measures at posttreatment follow-up points. Favorable
absolute and percentage changes in assessments at 1- and 3-mo posttreatment did
not show any significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS:
The rESWT does
not seem to be more effective either in reducing pain or improving function or
grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylitis at least at 3 mos after
treatment when compared with sham rESWT.

Langue : ANGLAIS