Comparing scapular exercises to shoulder strengthening for treating lateral epicondylitis
Scapular Proprioception Neuromuscular Facilitation Versus Shoulder Strengthening Exercises in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis.
This study is testing whether scapular exercises or shoulder strengthening exercises work better to relieve pain and improve grip strength in people with lateral epicondylitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT05947968 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effects of scapular proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises with traditional shoulder strengthening exercises on pain, functional outcomes, and grip strength in patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, with one group receiving scapular PNF exercises and the other group receiving shoulder strengthening exercises. Assessments of pain, function, and grip strength will be conducted before and after the treatment period, which consists of 12 sessions. The study seeks to provide evidence for the effectiveness of scapular PNF in treating this condition, which currently lacks a standardized treatment approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20-50 who have been experiencing chronic lateral epicondylitis for more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients who have received physiotherapy, corticosteroid injections, or anti-inflammatory medications in the last three months, or those with neurological issues or cognitive disorders, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new effective treatment option for patients with lateral epicondylitis, potentially improving their pain management and functional abilities.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence specifically on scapular PNF for lateral epicondylitis, similar approaches in physical therapy have shown promise in other conditions, making this study a potentially valuable contribution to the field.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients will be included if they have the following criteria: * Fifty-two male and female subjects. * Patients complaining of chronic lateral epicondylitis (more than three months). * Age between 20-50. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients will be excluded if they had any of the following conditions: * Received physiotherapy in last 3 months. * Received corticosteroids injection in lateral epicondyle in last 3 months. * Receiving anti-inflammatories medications on regular basis. * Had neurologic problems in shoulder, neck and thoracic regions. * Had history of rheumatic disease. * Had cooperation difficulties due to cognitive disorders. All Patients will be instructed to keep away from activities that aggravate the symptoms such as grasping, lifting, knitting and using a screwdriver during the treatment period.
Where this trial is running
Giza
- Cairo University — Giza, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mahmoud Ghallab, Master
- Email: mahmoudasam93@hotmail.com
- Phone: 00201001899452
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.