An interventional study of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Sham Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), sponsored by Gazi University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-29.
Sponsored by Gazi University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled study evaluates the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied to the extensor carpi radialis brevis trigger point in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Participants receive active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the lateral epicondyle region. In addition, one group receives active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the extensor carpi radialis brevis trigger point, while the other group receives sham extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the trigger point. Pain, grip strength, hand function, and common extensor tendon thickness are assessed before treatment and at week 4.
Lateral epicondylitis is a common tendinopathic condition characterized by pain over the lateral elbow, reduced grip strength, and limitation in upper extremity function. The extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon and the common extensor tendon origin are frequently involved. Myofascial trigger points in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle may also contribute to pain and functional impairment.
This prospective randomized controlled single-blind study investigates whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy applied to the extensor carpi radialis brevis trigger point provides additional clinical and ultrasonographic benefit in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Participants are allocated to two parallel groups. Both groups receive active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the lateral epicondyle region once weekly for three sessions. The intervention group also receives active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to one trigger point in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. The comparator group receives sham extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the same trigger point area.
Outcome assessments are performed at baseline and at week 4. Pain intensity is assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. Grip strength is measured with a Jamar hand dynamometer. Hand function is assessed using the Duruöz Hand Index. Common extensor tendon thickness is measured by ultrasonography. The primary aim is to determine whether active trigger point extracorporeal shock wave therapy provides additional improvement compared with sham trigger point application when both groups receive active treatment to the lateral epicondyle region.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants receive active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the lateral epicondyle region and active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to one trigger point in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, once weekly for three sessions.
Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Participants receive active extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the lateral epicondyle region and sham extracorporeal shock wave therapy to one trigger point in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, once weekly for three sessions.
Device: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy · Device: Sham Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Active extracorporeal shock wave therapy is applied to the lateral epicondyle region in both groups once weekly for three sessions. In the experimental group, active extracorporeal shock wave therapy is also applied to one trigger point in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle.
Sham extracorporeal shock wave therapy is applied to one trigger point in the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle using a sham applicator that produces a similar sound but does not deliver therapeutic shock wave energy.
Change in Common Extensor Tendon Thickness
Common extensor tendon thickness is measured by ultrasonography using a linear probe with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees and the forearm in mid-supination. Measurements are performed on a longitudinal image at the lateral epicondyle region, perpendicular to the tendon fibers. The change from baseline to week 4 is evaluated
Time frame: Baseline and week 4
Change in Pain Intensity Assessed by Visual Analog Scale
Pain intensity is assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale. A score of 0 indicates no pain and a score of 10 indicates the worst pain.
Time frame: Baseline and week 4
Change in Grip Strength
Grip strength is measured using a Jamar hand dynamometer. Measurements are performed with the participant seated, the shoulder adducted, the elbow flexed at 90 degrees, the forearm in neutral position, and the wrist in neutral position. Three consecutive measurements are obtained from the affected side, and the mean value is used for analysis. The change from baseline to week 4 is evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 4
Change in Functional Disability Assessed by the Duruöz Hand Index
functional disability is assessed using the Duruöz Hand Index. The scale includes 18 items evaluating difficulties in daily activities involving hand use. Total scores range from 0 to 90, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The change from baseline to week 4 is evaluated.
Time frame: Baseline and week 4
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be shared due to privacy and ethical restrictions.
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This study is completed, as verified in Jun 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Gazi University