Scapular stabilization plus shock wave therapy for tennis elbow
Investigation of the Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Applied in Addition to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Muscle Strength, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
NA · Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT07238413
This will test whether adding scapular stabilization exercises to extracorporeal shock wave therapy helps adults with tennis elbow have less pain and better arm strength and function.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07238413 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a randomized interventional trial, 48 adults aged 18–65 with lateral epicondylitis are assigned to a control group receiving ESWT plus wrist extensor stretching and strengthening, or to a study group that receives the same protocol with additional scapular stabilization exercises. The supervised exercise program is delivered twice weekly for eight weeks alongside the ESWT protocol. Pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life are measured at baseline and after eight weeks to compare outcomes between groups. Participants with major systemic disease, neuropathies, recent injections or physiotherapy, pregnancy, malignancy, diabetes, rheumatologic or neurological disorders, or open wounds are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with physician-diagnosed lateral epicondylitis of at least three months' duration and positive clinical tests who can attend twice-weekly sessions are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with significant comorbidities (for example diabetes, rheumatologic or neurological disorders), recent physiotherapy or injections, nerve entrapments, pregnancy, open wounds, or those outside the 18–65 age range are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding scapular stabilization could further reduce pain and improve arm strength and daily function beyond ESWT alone, offering a simple non-surgical boost to care.
How similar studies have performed: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has shown mixed but sometimes favorable results for chronic lateral epicondylitis in prior trials, while specifically adding scapular stabilization exercises is a newer approach with limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 years. * Diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by a physician, with positive Mill's, Cozen's, or Thomsen tests. * Experiencing pain and tenderness over and around the lateral epicondyle for at least 3 months, with symptoms exacerbated by resisted elbow extension, wrist extension, gripping, and supination. * Willing to voluntarily participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * • Individuals with serious systemic or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate exercise of the hand and upper extremity. * Those diagnosed with upper extremity entrapment neuropathies. * Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy. * Individuals with open wounds on the hand or upper extremity. * Pregnant women or those suspected of being pregnant. * Patients who have received physiotherapy and/or injection treatments within the last 6 weeks. * Patients with diabetes mellitus, rheumatologic diseases, or neurological disorders. * Individuals who have undergone upper extremity surgery or had an upper extremity fracture within the last 6 months. * Patients with coagulation disorders or those receiving anticoagulant therapy. * Individuals with conditions causing degenerative changes in the hand and upper extremity. * Patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, medial epicondylitis, radiohumeral bursitis, or cervical disc pathology. * Patients using analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications other than acetaminophen (paracetamol).
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Büşra Yalçın — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: büşra yalçın, MSc
- Email: busracakmakyalcin@gmail.com
- Phone: +905075157949
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.
Conditions: Lateral Epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow, tennis elbow, ESWT, Pain, Scapular muscle training, functional status