An alternative approach to treating lateral epicondylitis. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of noxious level electrical stimulation on pain, grip strength and functional abilities in subjects with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Design: Randomized, placebo-control, double-blinded study. Setting: Physical Therapy Department, North Georgia College and State University. Subjects: 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. Interventions: 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. Main measurements: 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. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that symptoms of chronic lateral epicondylitis could be effectively treated by noxious level low-frequency electrical stimulation.