The effect of counterforce bracing on grip strength in tennis players with painful elbows

Abstract

Counterforce bracing is considered to change the mechanical origin of the forearm extensors, thereby decreasing the force of internally generated muscle tension. A clinical study was conducted of 19 tennis players complaining of elbow pain. Seventeen had previously used some form of counterforce bracing for symptomatic pain relief. In those with symptomatic arms, no significant difference in grip strength with or without the brace was identified. Similarly, no significant differences were recorded in the non-symptomatic arms, with or without the brace There was also no significant difference between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic arms, when grip strength was compared with and without the brace. The frequent use of counterforce bracing suggests bracing may subjectively reduce symptoms of pain. However, the results of this study demonstrate that it has no effect on objective measures of grip strength.