J Chiropr Med. 2021 Jun;20(2):77-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2021.09.001. Epub 2021 Dec 15.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe a study protocol that will aim to assess the effectiveness of adding dry needling or neural mobilization to conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

METHODS: We propose to conduct a 2-group, participant-blinded, randomized clinical trial with recruitment of 36 participants with lateral epicondylitis from a recognized super-speciality tertiary care hospital. After fulfilling eligibility criteria, consenting participants will be randomized to either a dry needling group or a neural mobilization group, both with conventional therapy as well. The outcome measures will be the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation questionnaire, pain pressure threshold, grip strength, and range of motion.

RESULTS: Data analysis will be done by Wilcoxon signed-rank test or paired t test and Mann-Whitney U test or independent t test. The significance level will be set at 0.05. All outcome measures will be recorded at baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention.

CONCLUSION: This study protocol will provide data regarding the effects of dry needling and neural mobilization in people with lateral epicondylitis.

PMID:34987324 | PMC:PMC8703199 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcm.2021.09.001