There is Benefit to Strengthen the Rotator Cuff and Scapular Muscles in Patients with Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy? A Research Protocol

Background: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is one of the two most common tendinopathies of the upper limb. An exercise programme consisting of static stretching exercises, isometric and concentric-eccentric training has been recommended for the management of LET. Based mainly on clinical experience, rotator cuff and scapular musculature weakness in LET patients is commonly addressed increasing pain, decreasing functional ability and hand grip strength. The purpose of the present article will be to make a comparison of the effects of an exercise programme consisting of static stretching exercises, isometric and concentric-eccentric training and an exercise programme consisting of static stretching exercises, isometric, concentric-eccentric training and strengthening of rotator cuff and scapula muscles exercises for the treatment of LET. Methods/Design: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) will be carried out with patients who have LET. They will be randomly allocated to two groups. Group A will be treated with static stretching exercises, isometric and concentric-eccentric training and group B will be treated static stretching exercises, isometric, concentric-eccentric training and strengthening of rotator cuff and scapula muscles exercises. All patients received five treatments per week for four weeks. Pain will be evaluated using a visual analogue scale and function using a visual analogue scale and pain-free grip strength at the end of treatment, at 3 months follow-up and at 6 months follow up. The change from baseline will be calculated for each follow-up. Differences between groups will be determined using the independent t test. The difference within groups between baseline and end of treatment will be analysed with a paired t test. A 5% level of probability will be adopted as the level for statistical significance. SPSS 21.00 statistical software will be used for the statistical analysis. Discussion: The present trial is the first RCT to study the effectiveness of strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular muscles in LET management. Trial registration: The study will submit in the Cyprus Ethics Committee.