The combined effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy and exercise in lateral epicondylitis: A randomized controlled trial.
Mehmet Salih Tan, Zeynep Karakuzu Güngör
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In 30 seconds
This prospective randomized controlled trial compared a 12-week structured exercise program alone with exercise plus radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in 66 patients with lateral epicondylitis. The combined group had significantly greater pain reduction at 6 weeks (p = 0.005) and 12 weeks (p < 0.001), and better functional outcomes at both assessments (6 weeks: p = 0.020; 12 weeks: p = 0.009). However, functional change-score analyses were not significant. Most improvement occurred during treatment and was maintained thereafter.
Key findings
- Pain reduction favored exercise plus ESWT at 6 weeks (p = 0.005) and 12 weeks (p < 0.001).
- Functional outcomes favored the combined protocol at 6 weeks (p = 0.020) and 12 weeks (p = 0.009), although functional change scores were not significant.
- Most improvements occurred during the treatment phase and were subsequently maintained.
Why it matters
The trial suggests that adding radial ESWT to structured exercise may improve pain and functional outcomes in lateral epicondylitis over exercise alone. The distinction between favorable functional outcome scores and nonsignificant functional change scores is important when interpreting the size and consistency of the apparent benefit.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not report effect sizes for the between-group differences, limiting assessment of their magnitude and clinical importance.