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Elbow flexor and extensor muscle weakness in lateral epicondylalgia
Brooke K Coombes1, Leanne Bisset, Bill Vicenzino
1Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD, Australia.
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|June 29, 2011
Summary
Individuals with lateral epicondylalgia (LE) show significant elbow flexor and extensor muscle strength deficits compared to healthy individuals. Comparing affected to unaffected limbs in LE may underestimate these strength impairments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Lateral epicondylalgia (LE), commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent condition characterized by pain and tenderness at the lateral epicondyle.
- Muscle strength deficits, particularly in elbow flexors and extensors, are suspected contributors to LE, but require quantitative evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if individuals with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia exhibit reduced elbow flexor and extensor muscle strength compared to a healthy control group.
- To investigate the extent of muscle strength differences within the affected limb of individuals with LE.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed, comparing 150 participants with unilateral LE to 54 healthy controls.
- Maximal isometric elbow flexion and extension strength were measured bilaterally using a specialized standing frame, specifically designed to exclude grip involvement.
Main Results:
- Significant deficits in elbow extensor strength (SMD -0.45) and elbow flexor strength (SMD -0.46) were observed in the LE group compared to controls.
- Within the LE group, a significant strength deficit was found in elbow extensors between the affected and unaffected sides (-2.94 N).
Conclusions:
- Unilateral lateral epicondylalgia is associated with small but significant deficits in both elbow extensor and flexor muscle strength in the affected arm.
- Direct comparison of elbow strength between affected and unaffected limbs in LE patients may mask the true extent of muscle weakness.
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