This cross-sectional, correlational study aims to determine the predictors of illness perception and treatment expectations in adults with chronic lateral elbow pain. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical findings (pain intensity, pain duration, elbow-specific function) and psychosocial variables (pain self-efficacy, fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing) will be examined as candidate predictors of two patient-centred constructs: illness perception, measured with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and treatment expectation, measured with the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire. Data will be analysed using hierarchical multiple linear regression in three predictor blocks. The study is reported according to the STROBE statement.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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:
* Aged 18 years or older
* Diagnosis of lateral epicondylalgia or lateral elbow pain made by an orthopaedic surgeon or physiatrist
* Pain intensity of at least 4 on the Numeric Rating Scale
* Pain duration of at least 12 weeks (chronic)
* Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of any surgical procedure of the upper extremity
* Cervical spine pathology
* Inflammatory arthritis affecting the wrist or finger joints (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
* Active neurological disease or radiculopathy radiating to the upper extremity
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia or another widespread pain syndrome
* Currently receiving active psychiatric treatment (e.g. psychosis, severe depression)
* Pregnancy
* Visual or cognitive impairment of a degree that would prevent completion of the questionnaires
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
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?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
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.