Comparison of the Supervised and Home-Based Physiotherapy Program in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a supervised and home-based physiotherapy program in the reduction of pain and in improving functional status and quality of life in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Method: Patients diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis and referred to the physiotherapy clinic were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 32 patients were separated into two groups as supervised and home-based physiotherapy groups. All the patients received standard physiotherapy program consisting of static stretching exercises of the ECRB tendon, eccentric exercises of the wrist extensors and cold application, for 3 weeks. The groups were compared in terms of pain severity, range of motion, functional status (Quick-DASH) and quality of life (SF-36) after treatment. Results: Fifteen patients (12 females, 3 males) with a mean age of 44.20±7.35 years were included in the supervised physiotherapy group, and 17 patients (15 females, 2 males) with a mean age of 48.65±12.33 years in the home-based physiotherapy group. There was no statistically significant difference in activity (p=0.980) and rest pain (p=0.483), wrist flexion (p=0.775) and extension (p=0.838) range of motion, functionality (p=0.346) and quality of life (p=0.923) between groups. Conclusion: Patients participating in a home-based physiotherapy program had similar clinical outcomes in terms of pain intensity, range of motion, functionality, and quality of life as patients participating in a supervised physiotherapy. Further prospective randomized studies can be conducted by increasing the sample size and comparing with cost analyzes to determine the rehabilitation regimen that will provide the best outcomes in lateral epicondylitis rehabilitation.