Telephone-based joint protection education in lateral epicondylitis: A randomized controlled trial

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) can occur for many different reasons such as compelling repetitive movements in daily readings, incorrect posture use and work-related factors. Although several treatments are available for LE, the optimal evidence-based treatment remains uncertain. Joint protection techniques have been developed as a self-management intervention to reduce pain and disability and improve functionality by applying ergonomic approaches.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of telephone-based follow up on top of a home-based joint protection education programme on pain and functionality in individuals with LE.

Individuals were randomly assigned into 2 groups; 1) telephone-based group, receiving telephone-based follow-up on top of a home-based joint protection education programme, and 2) home-based group, receiving home-based joint protection education alone. Both groups were given training that increased awareness in LE and home-based exercise programme. In addition, telephone-based group was followed up by telephone three days a week for four weeks.

Improvements from baseline to 4th week in Turkish version of the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation-pain (p = 0.001; effect size = 1.11) and function (p < 0.001; effect size = 1.77), Upper Extremity Functional Index (p = 0.001; effect size = 0.85) and The Turkish version of the Joint Protection Behavior Assessment-Short Form (p < 0.001; effect size = 1.54) in the telephone-based group were significantly higher than the improvements in the home-based group.

Telephone-based follow-up in individuals with LE contributed to the awareness of pain, functionality and joint protection methods. Telephone-based joint protection education programmes can offer a health service within the scope of preventive and protective intervention programmes for LE.