Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: February | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 43-48
Comparison of Scapular Muscle Strength and Endurance in Subjects with Lateral Epicondylitis in Healthy Individuals
Akta Sumanbhai Bhalara1, Megha Sandeep Sheth2
1PhD Scholar Gujarat University, Tutor cum Physiotherapist, Govt Physiotherapy College, Rameshwar Nagar, Jamnagar - 361008
2Lecturer, SBB college of physiotherapy, V.S. Hospital, Ellis Bridge, Ahmedabad - 380006
Corresponding Author: Akta Sumanbhai Bhalara
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is characterized by pain in the region of the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. The effectiveness of conservative treatment approaches remains less than optimal, secondary to high recurrence, so there is a need to assess proximal kinetic chain. Objective of the study was to assess scapular muscles strength and endurance in subjects with unilateral lateral epicondylitis and compare it with the uninvolved limb and the corresponding limb of matched healthy individuals.
Methodology: An observational study was conducted on 66 subjects with unilateral LE (group A) and 66 matched healthy individuals (group B), selected by convenience sampling. The strength of scapular muscles - Upper trapezius (UT), Middle trapezius (MT), Lower trapezius (LT) and Serratus anterior(SA) was assessed with the use of hand held dynamometer. Scapular Muscle endurance was assessed in both groups with isometric hold test. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21. Significance level was kept at p≤ 0.05.
Results: Mean difference between strength (kg) of affected and non-affected sides in group A was analysed using Wilcoxon test, showed UT(0.5±0.3,W=1.9,p=0.05), MT(0.4±0.3,W=2,p=0.04), LT(0.8±01.2,W=1.8,p=0.06) and SA(0.2±0.1,W=2.1,p=0.02). Analysis of difference in means between the groups for affected side with corresponding limb of matched healthy individuals done using Mann Whitney test, showed UT(2.9±1.9,U=3.6,p=0.0001), MT(3.4±2.4,U=4.2,p=0.0001), LT(1.7±1.6,U=2.9,p=0.003) and SA(2.8±1.8,U=4.5,p=0.0001).
Conclusion: Subjects with LE demonstrated significant weakness of the MT, LT and SA and reduced endurance of scapular muscles when compared to a matched healthy control group. Assessment of scapular muscle strength and endurance is recommended in subjects with LE.
Key words: Lateral epicondylitis, Scapular muscles Strength, scapular muscles endurance