This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetotherapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and tenderness over the outer part of the elbow, often associated with repetitive wrist extension and gripping activities. It may cause reduced grip strength, functional limitations, and decreased quality of life. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial, 40 patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups using the sealed envelope method. The experimental group will receive active magnetotherapy in addition to standard treatment (local application and supervised exercise therapy). The control group will receive sham magnetotherapy (inactive device without magnetic field) plus the same standard treatment. Treatments will be administered five days per week for three weeks. Magnetotherapy will be applied at a frequency of 50 Hz and intensity of 85 Gauss for 30 minutes per session. All participants will also receive 15 minutes of local application and 15 minutes of supervised exercises including eccentric wrist extensor exercises, isotonic strengthening, stretching, and isometric exercises. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline (week 0), at the end of treatment (week 3), and at follow-up (week 12). Primary and secondary outcome measures include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), pressure pain threshold (algometer), grip strength (hand dynamometer), functional status (PRTEE and QuickDASH questionnaires), quality of life (SF-36), clinical provocation tests (Cozen, Mill's, and Maudsley's tests), and patient satisfaction (Likert scale). The study hypothesis is that adding magnetotherapy to standard treatment will provide additional benefit in reducing pain and improving function compared to standard treatment alone.
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Change in Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0), Post-treatment (Week 3), and Follow-up (Week 12
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold Measured by Algometer
Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0), Post-treatment (Week 3), and Follow-up (Week 12)
Change in Grip Strength Measured by Hand Dynamometer
Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0), Post-treatment (Week 3), and Follow-up (Week 12)
Change in Functional Status Measured by PRTEE Score
Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0), Post-treatment (Week 3), and Follow-up (Week 12)