P90 ASSESSMENT OF UPPER LIMB MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN TENNIS ELBOW

Abstract

Purpose: It is known from previous studies that reduced grip strength is associated with tennis elbow; however; assessment of muscular strength over other parts of upper limb, particularly wrist and shoulder, has received a little or no attention in the literature. To address possible other upper extremity muscular strength weakness-imbalances in Tennis Elbow, this study aimed to investigate the strength of various upper limb muscle groups in tennis elbow patients and compare them with those of healthy subjects.

Methods: A total of 32 participants were assigned into two groups of Control (N=16) and Tennis Elbow (N=16). In both groups, upper limb maximal isometric muscular of dominant and non-dominant sides was measured at various joints including metacarpophalan-geal (extension & flexion), wrist extension & flexion), grip, and shoulder (internal and external rotation and abduction) using appropriate either commercial or purpose-built dynamometers. Muscular strength and important strength ratios were analyzed and compared in each group (dominant vs non-dominant) and also between Control and Tennis Elbow group using various statistical methods.

Results: Significant dominance difference was found in all strength measurements for Control group but not for Tennis Elbow group indicating a generalized and widespread upper limb muscular weakness associated with tennis elbow. In addition, significant differences were found not only for various hand strength measurements but also for shoulder strength between Control and Tennis Elbow groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This is the most comprehensive study of upper limb isometric muscular strength assessment in Tennis Elbow during recent years. Distributed upper limb muscle strength weakness exists in Tennis Elbow which needs to be addressed within both preventative and treatment strategies.