Scapular muscles strengthening on pain, functional outcome and muscle activity in chronic lateral epicondylalgia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT) and serratus anterior (SA) strengthening on pain, pain free grip strength, functional outcome, scapular muscles strength, scapular position and electromyographic (EMG) activity of lower trapezius, serratus anterior, extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylalgia (LE).

Methods: Twenty six patients with chronic lateral epicondylalgia were recruited. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group 1 received scapular muscles strengthening along with conventional physiotherapy and Group 2 received only conventional physiotherapy for 6 weeks. Subjects were measured for pain (VAS), pain free grip strength, functional outcome (PRTEE), scapular muscle strength, scapular positioning (LSST) and EMG activity before and after the intervention.2 × 2 mixed ANOVA was used to investigate for main effect of time and group and interaction effect (time × group).

Results: The results revealed that there was statistically significant difference for time effect for all the outcome measures. In time × group interaction there was significant difference for all the outcome measures except scapular position (LSST3). Significant difference for group effect was observed in EMG activity of LT and ECRB.

Conclusion: The scapular muscle strengthening should be used along with the conventional physiotherapy in individuals with chronic LE to improve pain, pain free grip strength, functional outcome, muscle strength, scapular position and muscle activity.