Comparison of effects of eccentric training, eccentric-concentric training, and eccentric-concentric training combined with isometric contraction in the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy

Study design: RCT.

Introduction: Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a common clinical condition. eccentric exercises. eccentric-concentric loading and, isometric exercises are indicated to reduce and manage tendon pain.

Purpose of the study: To compare the effectiveness of eccentric training, eccentric-concentric training, and eccentric-concentric training combined with isometric contraction in the treatment of lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out in a rheumatology and rehabilitation center. A group of 34 patients with later elbow tendinopathy was randomly allocated to Group A (n = 11) who underwent eccentric training, Group B had eccentric-concentric and Group C who had eccentric-concentric and isometric training. All patients received 5 treatments per week for 4 weeks. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale and function using a visual analog scale and pain-free grip strength at the end of the 4-week course of treatment (week 4) and 1 month (week 8) after the end of treatment.

Results: The eccentric-concentric training combined with isomentric contractions produced the largest effect in the reduction of pain and improvement of function at the end of the treatment (P < .05) and at any of the follow-up time points (P < .05).

Conclusion: The eccentric-concentric training combined with isomentric contractions was the most effective treatment. Future well-designed studies are needed to confirm the results of the present trial.

Level of evidence: III.