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Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis: a randomised clinical trial

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Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) presents a substantial obstacle due to the pain and functional decline, frequently requiring non-surgical treatments. This study contrasts the efficacy of high-ıntensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in managing LE. A prospective, randomized comparative trial was conducted with 50 participants assigned to either HILT or ESWT groups. Both groups received standard physiotherapy (exercise program and LE bandages), and outcomes, including tenderness, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scale (Q-DASH), and grip strength, were assessed at baseline, 3rd weeks, and 12th weeks. The baseline features of the groups exhibited similarities (p > 0.05). In intra-group comparisons, both HILT and ESWT groups exhibited significant enhancements in tenderness, VAS, Q-DASH, and grip strength (p < 0.05). In inter-group comparisons, the HILT group exhibited superior outcomes in tenderness reduction, pain alleviation, and disability improvement compared to the ESWT group (p < 0.05). Grip strength did not differ significantly across the groups (p > 0.05). Both HILT and ESWT, when combined with standard physiotherapy, showed effectiveness in treating LE. However, HILT demonstrated greater efficacy in terms of tenderness reduction, pain relief, and disability improvement. This study suggests that non-invasive techniques, particularly HILT, can be preferable for managing LE.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Adana City Research and Training Hospital, Adana, Turkey

    Sidika Buyukvural Sen, Meryem Kosehasanogullari, Nurhan Okur Yilmaz & Burhan Fatih Kocyigit

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Contributions

SBS, MK, and NOY were responsible for designing the investigation. SBS, MK, NOY, and BFK provided the data and conducted an article review. Data was analyzed by SBS and BFK. MK and NOY made the contribution of the analysis instruments. The paper was authored and reviewed by SBS, MK, NOY, and BFK in manuscript form. SBS and BFK were responsible for preparing the tables and figures. SBS, MK, NOY, and BFK grant their approval for the submitted final manuscript and assume full responsibility for each component of the work.

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Correspondence to Burhan Fatih Kocyigit.

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Compliance with ethical standards

The local ethics committee (No: 1811/24.02.22) approved the study procedure. Prior to commencing data collection, all participants were duly informed, and their participation in the research was entirely voluntary.

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Sen, S.B., Kosehasanogullari, M., Yilmaz, N.O. et al. Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in lateral epicondylitis: a randomised clinical trial. Rheumatol Int 44, 593–602 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-023-05525-w

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