Effectiveness of Eccentric Strengthening of Wrist Extensors along with Conventional Therapy in Patients with Lateral Epicondylitis

Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis is a common yet a complex musculoskeletal condition affecting many people. This disorder challenges the physical therapist daily as it is an injury that is difficult to treat as it is prone to recurrent bouts. Recent studies stated that isolated eccentric training was effective in treating chronic lateral epicondylitis as it provides neuromuscular benefits through central adaptation of both agonist and antagonist muscles. Grip strength provides an index for the functional integrity of the upper extremity. In clinical setting, hand grip strength is quantified by measuring the amount of static force applied by an instrument called dynamometer, which measures static grip strength and is widely accepted to measure the grip strength. The pre and post-test value for pain using Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and for grip strength using hand held dynamometer were recorded for a period of 2 weeks. The study shows decreased in the values of NPRS from a mean value of 5.50 to 4.13. The grip strength was found to be significant increase from a mean value of 15.60 to 24.56. This shows that grip strength values are gradually increasing with the P value (<0.001) statistically significant. Thus the study concludes that eccentric strengthening of wrist extensors along with conventional treatment is more effective in increasing the grip strength and decreasing pain. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of eccentric wrist extensor strengthening exercise added to standard treatment for chronic lateral epicondylitis.