TINLL (nerve-length) approach versus traditional stretching and strengthening for lateral elbow pain
Comparing the Effectiveness of the 'Think in Nerve Length and Layers' (TINLL) Approach to Traditional Treatment for Patients With Lateral Elbow Pain.
This trial will see if a nerve-focused TINLL technique helps adults with tennis elbow more than standard stretching and strengthening.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Vermont Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (South Burlington, Vermont) |
| Trial ID | NCT07385677 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults referred for lateral elbow tendinopathy are assigned to either a TINLL (radial nerve tension) treatment group or a traditional stretching-and-strengthening group based on their prior treatments. Participants receive clinic-based therapy over about 4–6 weeks and complete grip and pinch strength tests, a pain rating (NRS), and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and at the end of treatment. Consent is obtained in clinic after a scripted phone introduction and an informational video, and therapists deliver the assigned interventions per protocol. The trial compares pain and function outcomes to determine whether a nerve-focused rehabilitation approach provides different practical benefits than standard muscle-focused care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age 18+) referred for lateral-sided elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis who speak English and have clinical signs (tender lateral epicondyle, pain with wrist extensor stretch, or pain with resisted wrist/middle finger extension) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other nerve entrapments (carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel), recent surgery or planned surgery, prior Platelet-Rich Plasma or percutaneous needle tenotomy, or those unable to follow directions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TINLL could reduce pain and improve grip strength and arm function faster or more effectively than standard stretching and strengthening.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior trials of nerve mobilization and manual therapy for lateral elbow pain have shown modest benefits, but the TINLL protocol is a newer, less-tested, more targeted nerve-tension approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * understanding of English language; adults 18 years of age or older * referral for lateral sided elbow pain or lateral epicondylitis * subjects positive on one of the following (tenderness over lateral epicondyle with palpation * pain with stretch of long wrist extensors * pain with resisted wrist or middle finger extension) Exclusion Criteria: * subjects unable to cognitively follow directions * have a legally-mandated reporter * subjects scheduled for surgery, or post-up surgical patients * subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome/medial elbow pain, * subjects who received Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or percutaneous needle tenotomy (PNT)
Where this trial is running
South Burlington, Vermont
- Orthopedica and Rehabilitation Center - Occupational Therapy/Hand Therapy, University of Vermont Medical Center — South Burlington, Vermont, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Victoria Priganc, PhD
- Email: victoria.priganc@med.uvm.edu
- Phone: 802-777-1477
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.