Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
DOI
10.2519/jospt.2012.4095
Publication Title
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
Volume
42
Issue
12
Pages
1025-1031
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional.
OBJECTIVES: To compare static strength characteristics of the upper extremity musculature in female recreational tennis players with lateral epicondylalgia to those of nonsymptomatic tennis players and a control group of women who did not play tennis.
BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research describing the relationship between lateral epicondylalgia and strength characteristics of the upper extremity musculature, despite the functional relationship between the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
METHODS: Sixty-three women were recruited into 3 groups (n = 21 per group): symptomatic tennis players (SIP) with lateral epicondylalgia, nonsymptomatic tennis players, and controls. Data collection was performed during a single session, during which the strength of selected muscle groups of the dominant upper extremity was measured using a combination of force transducers. Strength ratios of selected muscle groups were then calculated.
RESULTS: The SIP group reported median pain level of 3/10 on a numeric pain rating scale and a symptom duration of 16 weeks. The SIP group had weaker lower trapezius strength (mean difference, -9.0 N; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -13.5, -4.4) and wrist extensor strength (-12.7 N; 95% CI: -24.4, -1.1), and a higher shoulder internal/external rotation strength ratio (0.19; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.35) and upper/lower trapezius strength ratio (1.32; 95% CI: 0.41, 2.23), compared to those of the nonsymptomatic group. Compared to the control group, the SIP group demonstrated a significantly higher shoulder internal/external rotation strength ratio (0.21; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.38) and wrist flexion/extension strength ratio (0.14; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27).
CONCLUSION: In this group of recreational female tennis players, significant differences in strength and strength ratio characteristics were identified. Although the design of the study precludes establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, the results suggest further study and treatment of the muscle groups of interest.
Original Publication Citation
Lucado, A. M., Kolber, M. J., Cheng, M. S., & Echternach, J. L. (2012). Upper extremity strength characteristics in female recreational tennis players with and without lateral epicondylalgia. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 42(12), 1025-1031. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.4095
Repository Citation
Lucado, Ann M.; Kolber, Morey J.; Cheng, M. Samuel; and Echternach, John L. Sr., "Upper Extremity Strength Characteristics in Female Recreational Tennis Players With and Without Lateral Epicondylalgia" (2012). Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications. 49.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/pt_pubs/49
Comments
Web of Science: "Free full-text from publisher."