Comparison of the effectiveness of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy and supervised exercises with neuromuscular inhibition technique in lateral epicondylitis: A randomized-controlled t

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) and supervised exercises with neuromuscular inhibition (NMI) technique in improving pain, function, and grip strength in the treatment of patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE). Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients with LE (11 males, 30 females; median age: 46 years; range, 23 to 57 years) whose symptoms persisted for at least three months between February 2015 and August 2015 were included in the prospective, randomized-controlled, clinical study. The patients were divided into two groups as the rESWT group (n=25) receiving a total of three rESWT sessions (once per week with 1.8 bar pneumatic pressure, 10 Hz frequency, and with 2,000 pulses) and the exercise group (n=25) receiving supervised exercises with NMI (three times per week for three weeks). Pain and function were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale, the total Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, the Roles and Maudsley score, while the grip strength was evaluated using a hand dynamometer at one and three months after treatment compared to baseline. Results: A significant improvement was observed in all outcome criteria at one and three months after treatment, compared to baseline, in both the rESWT and exercise groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of the changes in the outcome criteria between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The rESWT seems to provide no significantly superior benefit than supervised exercises with NMI at least until the three months in the treatment of LE.

The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

“…Overall, these discrepancies may arise from distinct physiological or pathophysiological effects observed in the chronic and non-chronic LE groups. Further research is warranted to validate and elucidate these finding [ 131 , 132 ].…”

Bibliometric analysis of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for tendinopathy

“…Cluster 2 focuses on the biological mechanisms of ESWT combined with platelet-rich injections for rotator cuff tears, [ 39 ] ESWT treatment combined with PDRN for rotator cuff tears, [ 39 ] comparison of the effects of Tendisulfur Forte dietary supplementation therapy and ESWT for rotator cuff tendon injuries, [ 40 ] ESWT with moderate energy for calcified rotator cuff tendinitis(Moretti et al, 2005), and ESWT combined with arginine in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. [ 41 ] Cluster 3 focuses on the comparison of the effect of ESWT treatment with surgery for the treatment of humeral epicondylitis, [ 29 ] ESWT with low energy and neuromuscular control therapy [ 42 ] ESWT versus targeted low-energy ESWT for calcific tendonitis and ESWT with medium energy, [ 43 ] and a comparison of ESWT for chronic plantar fasciitis. [ 44 ] Cluster 4 focuses on the evaluation of morphology and blood flow using ultrasonography after ESWT for patellar tendinopathy.…”

A Comprehensive Review of the Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Stroke Patients: Balance, Pain, Spasticity

“…Future research should also explore the most effective ways to integrate ESWT into comprehensive stroke rehabilitation programs [ 13 , 32 ]. This may involve evaluating the combined effects of ESWT with other therapeutic interventions [ 19 , 25 , 36 ], such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. Identifying the optimal combination and sequence of interventions could help maximize the benefits of ESWT and enhance overall stroke recovery.…”

“…Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (R-ESWT) is a type of ESWT that uses a radial shock wave to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. This type of therapy is used for treating chronic tendinopathies [ 24 ], lateral epicondylitis [ 25 ], plantar fasciitis [ 26 ], and other soft tissue injuries [ 27 ]. In R-ESWT, a projectile is accelerated by compressed air, striking the surface of the applicator, which generates radial waves that spread out over a wider area of tissue.…”