Strength and fatigability of selected muscles in upper limb: Assessing muscle imbalance relevant to tennis elbow

Electromyographic assessment of forearm muscle function in tennis players with and without Lateral Epicondylitis

“…There is relatively strong evidence that aberrant activation of forearm muscle, particularly wrist extensors, contributes to the pathology of LE and that should be considered in terms of injury prevention and management (Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007a;485 Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007b;Finsen et al, 2005;Johansson et al, 2004;Landis et al, 2005;Roetert et al, 1995). However, the major body of knowledge comes from non-tennis studies and tennisrelated data is sparse.…”

“…However, the major body of knowledge comes from non-tennis studies and tennisrelated data is sparse. Several studies have recommended using a gripping task for the EMG assessment of forearm muscles as it effectively activates both wrist extensor and flexor groups even at low forces (Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007a;Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007b;Hagg and Milerad, 1997;490 Mogk and Keir, 2003;Snijders et al, 1987). This reflects that the activity of these muscles may be appropriately investigated during tennis strokes, as they require active gripping effort throughout movement phases to meet flexing moments.…”

“…Furthermore, recent research in non-tennis populations has also theorised that impaired activation of 100 forearm muscles may contribute to the development of LE by altering normal agonist-antagonist relationship (muscle imbalance) and subsequent joint misalignment (Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007a;Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007b;Blanchette and Normand, 2011;Rojas et al, 2007). Encouraging clinical outcome of wrist muscle strengthening programmes designed to restore the balance between wrist extensor and flexor groups has supported this theory (Cullinane et al, 2014;Raman et al, 2012;105 Tyler et al, 2014).…”

“…As a matter of fact, isometric strength tests only partially relate to functional muscle activity, kinematics, and joint forces during (Wilson and Murphy, 1996). A substantial body of research has emerged to address this issue using EMG examination of the forearm muscles particularly in non-tennis populations (Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007a;Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007b;Blanchette and Normand, 2011;Rojas et al, 2007;Wilson and Murphy, 1996). The first 115 reports describing the use of surface and fine-wire EMG were published in the (Tönnis, 1965) and since then research in the field has continued to offer sports professionals and clinicians with in depth knowledge of relevant muscle activity primarily focusing on the function of wrist extensors and flexors.…”

“…While EMG studies have reported a link between forearm muscle fatigue and LE and in non-players 555 (Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007a;Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2007b;Hagg and Milerad, 1997;, the fatigability of muscles has not been studied in tennis-related performances. EMG has been suggested as a helpful tool to assess functional recovery from LE in non-tennis players (Alizadehkhaiyat et al, 2009), however, no study has looked at the pre-and post-intervention EMG profile of forearm muscle in tennis-induced LE.…”