Investigation of pain, elbow joint position sense and functional status in individuals with lateral epicondylitis

The aim of this study is to investigate pain, elbow joint position sense and functional status in lateral epicondylitis (LE). A total of 62 individuals aged between 18-40 years, including a study group of 26 people, diagnosed with unilateral stage II lateral epicondylitis, and a control group of 36 healthy individuals, were included in the study. Elbow joint carrying angle and joint position sense assessed with digital goniometer, pain severity values assessed by visual anolog scale (VAS), pressure pain thresholds assessed with digital algometer, upper extremity muscle strength measurements assessed with hand- held dynamometer, wrist dynamometer and grip strength assessed with hydraulic hand dynamometer. Activity of daily life status assessed with Turkish version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and functional status assessed with Turkish version of Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation questionnaire. Joint position sense at 30 ° flexion angle was lower in the LE group in both affected and unaffected elbows than in the control group (p<0.01, p<0.05). The muscle strength of the biceps brachii was lower in the dominant side of the LE group (p <0.05). It was found that pressure pain thresholds of patients with LE were lower (p <0.01), pain level was higher (p <0.01), and daily living activities and functional status were decreased (p <0.01). There was no difference between the groups in terms of other carrying angle and grip strength (p> 0.01). Pain, strenght and functional deficiencies accompanying with loss of joint position sense are taking into consideration in individuals with lateral epicondylitis; we suggest that physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs including proprioceptive training would be beneficial and clinical evaluation should be done comprehensively. Key words: Elbow, lateral epicondylitis, joint position sense, proprioception, functional level