Analyzing the influence of scapular stabilizers on chronic lateral epicondylitis using EMG in the diabetic population

Abstract

Background. Lateral epicondylitis (LE), or tennis elbow, is caused by repetitive stress on the forearm tendons, leading to pain and inflammation. Diabetes increases the risk of developing tennis elbow due to increased accumulation of advanced glycation end products in collagenous tissues. There are high recurrence rates and lack of long term efficacy of conservative treatment approaches which suggest less than optimal rehabilitation. Hence there is a need to investigate the proximal kinetic chain of the limbs.. Objectives. To analyse the influence of scapular stabilizers and lateral epicondylitis in patients with type 2 diabetes melitus using electromyography, handheld push pull dynamometer, quickDASH scale among south indian population. Methodology. 13 patients with diabetic LE and 13 non diabetic chronic LE. To find the strength of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior using EMG & HHD. quickDASH for functional disabilities Paired and unpaired t-test methods were used to determine group differences. Results. There was significance between affected and non-affected limb among diabetic subjects in UT, MT and SA muscles using EMG and also significance in the same group of muscles along with LT muscle among non-diabetic population. Using HHD, there was significance between affected and non-affected limb among diabetic subjects in MT, LT and SA muscles and also significance in the same group of muscles along with UT muscle among non-diabetic population. quickDASH questionnaires show a highly significance between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Considering analysis between groups showed no significant difference using EMG and significant difference only in UT using HHD. Conclusion. Study concluded that there was significant influence between affected and non-affected sides, but no significance between diabetic and non-diabetic group.