Sensorimotor Deficits Remain Despite Resolution of Symptoms Using Conservative Treatment in Patients With Tennis Elbow: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Bisset LM, Coppieters MW, Vicenzino B. Sensorimotor deficits remain despite resolution of symptoms using conservative treatment in patients with tennis elbow: a randomized controlled trial. Objectives: To evaluate the time course of sensorimotor deficits in lateral epicondylalgia (LE; tennis elbow) and how these deficits may be influenced by common conservative treatments. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: University laboratory, Australia. Participants: A total of 198 participants with unilateral LE of a minimum 6 weeks duration and normative data from a group of 40 healthy participants. Interventions: Participants with LE were randomly assigned to physical therapy, corticosteroid injection, or a wait-and-see approach with ergonomic advice. Main Outcome Measures: Upper-limb reaction time (simple, 1-choice and 2-choice reaction time) and speed of movement were assessed at baseline and 6 and 52 weeks of follow-up. Results: Patients with LE exhibited delayed reaction times (P