Efficacy of Scapular Strengthening Exercise and Eccentric Forearm Exercise on Functional Recovery in Subjects with Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Background: Inflammation of the extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis tendon causes lateral epicondyle discomfort.
Patients on the dominant side were more affected than those on the nondominant side. And also proximal muscle
weakness or instability places an additional load on the distal joint, leading to distal conditions, such as lateral
epicondylitis.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of scapular strengthening exercise and forearm eccentric exercise on
functional recovery in subjects with lateral epicondylitis.
Materials and Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to experimental (scapular strengthening
with eccentric exercise) and conventional (eccentric exercise) groups. Pain-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE),
the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), and grip strength measurement using a hand dynamometer were used
to evaluate the pre-test. The same test was used to determine post-treatment values after five weeks of treatment.
Results: A substantial difference was seen between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.0001). Scapular
strengthening and eccentric exercises were effective in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
Conclusion: Scapular muscle strengthening and eccentric forearm training are effective in individuals with lateral
epicondylitis.