Abstract
Background: Forearm orthoses are used to manage lateral elbow tendinopathy. Although their use has been shown to improvemotor performance, little is known about how they affect sensory function. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of forearm clasping orthoses with a sensory-enhanced textured pad on the sensorimotor function of the affected arm in people with lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 56 people with lateral elbow tendinopathy were evaluated for elbow proprioception, pain severity, pain-free grip, and hand function. The study outcomes were measured across four randomized conditions: no orthosis, placebo, forearm strap, and forearm clasping orthosis with a textured pad. The data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance for each outcome measure.
Results: Compared with no orthosis, the use of a forearm strap (p = 0.01) or a forearm clasping orthosis (p = 0.02) significantly improved pein-free grip. Additionally, both forearm orthoses significantly improved elbow proprioception (p < 0.001) compared to no orthosis. Compared with no orthosis, the forearm strap improved pain intensity (p = 0.002) and hand function (p = 0.001), while the forearm clasping orthosis did not (p > 0.05). Neither the forearm strap nor forearm clasping orthoses were significantly different across all the study outcomes, nor was the comparison of no orthosis with the placebo significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: People with lateral elbow tendinopathy could immediately benefit from improved elbow joint proprioception and pain-free grip strength due to the use of a forearm strap and forearm clasping orthosis with a textured pad in this study.
Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20220203053925N1; Registration Date:14.03.2022; Available at: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/61955