Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Association Between Racket Stiffness and Lateral Epicondylalgia in Tennis Players

Spain207 participantsStarted 2026-02-13

Plain-language summary

Background. Lateral epicondylalgia is common in tennis and is associated with pain and functional limitation. Although racket stiffness has been experimentally linked to vibration transmission, its clinical association with this condition in tennis players remains insufficiently studied. Objective. To evaluate the association between racket stiffness and the presence of lateral epicondylalgia in adult tennis players, and to examine the potential effect modification by sex and competitive level on this association. Methods. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design will be conducted. A total of 200 athletes will be recruited. The primary outcome will be the presence of lateral epicondylalgia within the previous 12 months. Functional severity will be assessed using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire. The main independent variable will be racket stiffness (RA/stiffness). Secondary variables will include string age, use of a vibration dampener, and exposure related to playing load and technique. Potential confounders will include sex, competitive level, age, anthropometric characteristics, smoking status, prior history of elbow pain, occupational ergonomics involving repetitive gripping (ISO 11228-3 criteria), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and racket characteristics. The prevalence of lateral epicondylalgia will be estimated, and multivariable logistic regression models will be used to assess the association between racket stiffness and lateral epicondylalgia, including interaction terms to evaluate effect modification by sex and competitive level. Expected results. To determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylalgia in adult tennis players and to identify the association between racket stiffness and the presence of this condition, as well as the potential modifying effects of sex and competitive level.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Tennis players aged 16 years or older. * Regular tennis practice over the previous 12 months, defined as at least one weekly training or competition session. * Habitual use of an adult tennis racket weighing more than 280 grams for training and competition for a minimum period of three months prior to data collection. * Provision of written informed consent. Players with a history of elbow pain related to tennis practice will be eligible for inclusion and this information will be recorded as an independent clinical variable. Exclusion Criteria: * Players with a history of upper-limb surgery within the previous year. * Athletes with a prior medical diagnosis of neurological or rheumatological disease that could affect the upper limb. * Athletes who sustained an acute traumatic injury to the shoulder, elbow, or wrist within the six months preceding the study. * Participants who fail to complete the study questionnaires correctly.

Questions worth asking your doctor

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1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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Questions for the trial coordinator

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1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Measurement of Clinical of lateral epicondylalgia within the previous 12 months.

Timeframe: Screening visit

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07406802

SponsorUniversity of Oviedo

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-01

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