An observational study in Lateral Epicondylitis, sponsored by Mardin Artuklu University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 25 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-20.
Sponsored by Mardin Artuklu University · Observational
This study aims to investigate whether metabolic and inflammatory indices differ between patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and individuals without the condition. It will also examine whether these indices are associated with pain severity and functional limitations in patients with lateral epicondylitis.
This observational, controlled cross-sectional study will include 144 participants aged 30-65 years: 72 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and 72 controls without lateral epicondylitis.
Metabolic and inflammatory indices will be calculated using laboratory test results obtained on the day of study enrollment as part of routine clinical care. These include fasting glucose, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and monocyte count. The main index will be the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. Additional indices will include the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR), and triglyceride-glucose body mass index (TyG-BMI).
Pain severity and functional limitations will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Demographic characteristics, smoking status, and occupational physical demands will also be recorded.
Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by lateral elbow pain and functional impairment. Although mechanical overloading is considered an important contributing factor, metabolic abnormalities and low-grade systemic inflammation may also influence tendon health.
This study will investigate the relationship between metabolic and inflammatory indices and chronic lateral epicondylitis using data obtained from routine clinical evaluations.
The primary objective is to compare the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index between patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and controls without the condition. The association between the TyG index and the presence of lateral epicondylitis will also be examined after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, and manual or physically demanding work.
Secondary objectives include comparing the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR), and TyG-BMI between groups. Associations between these indices and patient-reported pain and functional impairment will also be investigated in the lateral epicondylitis group.
Participants will undergo a clinical assessment, and laboratory results obtained on the day of enrollment during routine clinical care will be used to calculate the metabolic and inflammatory indices. No additional laboratory tests or imaging procedures will be requested for research purposes.
The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic and inflammatory characteristics associated with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Due to the cross-sectional design, the results will be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships.
296 studies on the registry are indexed under Tennis Elbow; 63 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 144 is above the median of 75 across 28 observational studies indexed under Tennis Elbow.
Browse Tennis Elbow studies →Mardin Artuklu University is the lead sponsor of 32 studies on the registry; 13 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
The study population will consist of adults aged 30-65 years attending the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic at Mardin Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Participants will include 72 patients diagnosed with chronic lateral epicondylitis and 72 controls without lateral epicondylitis. Controls will be recruited consecutively from eligible outpatient attendees, aiming for a similar age and sex distribution without individual matching.
**Inclusion Criteria**
**Lateral Epicondylitis Group:**
**Control Group:**
**Exclusion Criteria (Both Groups):**
Adults aged 30-65 years with lateral epicondylitis , diagnosed based on lateral elbow pain, tenderness over the lateral epicondyle, and pain during resisted wrist extension. Metabolic and inflammatory indices will be calculated using routine laboratory results obtained on the day of enrollment. Pain severity and functional impairment will be assessed using the NRS and PRTEE.
Adults aged 30-65 years without lateral elbow pain or clinical findings of lateral epicondylitis. Controls will be recruited from the same outpatient clinic, with an age and sex distribution similar to that of the patient group, without individual matching. Metabolic and inflammatory indices will be calculated using routine laboratory results obtained on the day of enrollment.
Difference in Triglyceride-Glucose (TyG) Index Between Groups
The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index will be calculated using fasting triglyceride and glucose levels obtained from routine laboratory tests on the day of enrollment, according to the formula: ln \[(fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)) / 2\]. The TyG index is a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. The primary outcome will be the difference in TyG index between patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and controls without lateral epicondylitis.
Time frame: Baseline
Difference in Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) Between Groups
The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) will be calculated as log10 (triglycerides / HDL cholesterol), with both concentrations expressed in mmol/L. AIP values will be compared between patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and controls.
Time frame: Baseline
Difference in Monocyte-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio (MHR) Between Groups
The monocyte-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) will be calculated by dividing the absolute monocyte count (10⁹/L) by HDL cholesterol (mg/dL). MHR values will be compared between patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and controls.
Time frame: Baseline
Difference in Triglyceride-Glucose Body Mass Index (TyG-BMI) Between Groups
The TyG-BMI index will be calculated by multiplying the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index by body mass index (BMI, kg/m²). TyG-BMI values will be compared between patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and controls.
Time frame: Baseline
Association of Metabolic and Inflammatory Indices With Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) Scores
Associations between TyG, AIP, MHR, and TyG-BMI indices and clinical disease burden will be evaluated in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE). The PRTEE consists of pain and functional disability subscales, with a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater pain and functional impairment. Associations with the PRTEE total score and its pain and function subscale scores will be examined using correlation analyses.
Time frame: Baseline
Association Between Occupational Physical Demands and Lateral Epicondylitis
Exploratory analyses will examine the associations between lateral epicondylitis status and self-reported occupational physical demands, including repetitive hand, wrist, or forearm movements; forceful gripping; heavy lifting or carrying; and vibrating tool use. Each exposure will be evaluated as a separate categorical variable.
Time frame: Baseline
Plan to share: No
Start is estimated for Nov 2026; primary completion for May 2027, 6 months later.
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Mardin Artuklu University