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Lateral EpicondylitisNCT06735092

Exercise Therapy and Orthoses in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: Comparative Effects

A study testing Exercise-Only Group, Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace Group and Exercise + Wrist Orthosis Group in people with Lateral Epicondylitis, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study was to investigate whether adding a forearm counterforce brace or a wrist orthosis to exercise therapy provided additional benefits in pain, functional status, grip strength, and perceived recovery in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy, compared with exercise therapy alone. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Lateral Epicondylitis
What is being tested?
Exercise-Only Group, Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace Group and Exercise + Wrist Orthosis Group
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
45 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
2 Dec 2024to 30 Aug 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Being between the ages of 18 and 65,
  • Having a diagnosis of unilateral lateral elbow tendinopathy,
  • Having at least two of the Thomsen, Maudsley, Mill's, or Cozen's tests positive during clinical examination,
  • Experiencing symptoms for at least 3 months,
  • Not having a systemic or chronic illness that would prevent participation in the treatment program.

Who cannot join

  • A history of trauma or surgery in the relevant elbow and/or wrist,
  • The presence of orthopedic and/or neurological problems in the cervical spine, shoulder joint, or wrist,
  • Participation in a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program for lateral elbow tendinopathy within the last 6 months,
  • Receiving any injections within the last 6 months,
  • Systemic inflammatory disease.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

    Istanbul, Buyukcekmece, 34500

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Different Types of Orthoses Used in Addition to Exercise Therapy in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

The aim of this study was to investigate whether adding a forearm counterforce brace or a wrist orthosis to exercise therapy provided additional benefits in pain, functional status, grip strength, and perceived recovery in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy, compared with exercise therapy alone.

Read the detailed description

This study was conducted under the supervision of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. It was designed as a single-centre, three-arm randomized controlled trial and included adults with unilateral lateral elbow tendinopathy who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent. Participants were recruited from the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital. Participants were informed about the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of the study, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Following informed consent, 45 participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups:

  1. Exercise-Only Group
  2. Exercise + Counterforce Forearm Brace Group
  3. Exercise + Wrist Orthosis Group

All participants received education, activity modification, and the same physiotherapist-led progressive exercise program. Supervised exercise sessions were conducted twice weekly for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week home exercise program. The exercise program consisted of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises. Free-weight exercises were initiated with 0.5-1 kg weights according to individual tolerance, with progression achieved through 0.5-1 kg increments. For exercises using resistance bands, resistance was progressed by advancing to the next resistance level. Participants in Group 2 additionally used a counterforce forearm brace, whereas participants in Group 3 additionally used a wrist orthosis.

Participants were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. The primary outcome was the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE). Secondary outcomes included resting and activity pain assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), pain-free and maximum grip strength measured using a digital hand dynamometer, and perceived recovery assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using a case assessment form.

The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Being tested
Exercise-Only Group, Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace Group, Exercise + Wrist Orthosis Group
Keywords
Exercise Therapy, Rehabilitation, Orthotic Devices, Pain, Tendinopathy
Medical subject headings
Tennis Elbow, Pain, Tendinopathy

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Exercise-Only GroupOther

    Participants in this group received a standardized exercise protocol. The program consisted of an evidence-based combination of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises. Free-weight exercises were initiated with 0.5-1 kg weights, according to individual tolerance, and progressed by 0.5-1 kg increments. For exercises using resistance bands, resistance was progressed by advancing to the next band level. The supervised exercise program was conducted for 6 weeks, 2 days per week. After the 6-week supervised treatment period, participants continued a 6-week home exercise program. Participants were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

  • Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace GroupOther

    Participants in this group received a standardized exercise protocol and a counterforce forearm brace in addition to exercise therapy. The program consisted of an evidence-based combination of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises. Free-weight exercises were initiated with 0.5-1 kg weights, according to individual tolerance, and progressed by 0.5-1 kg increments. For exercises using resistance bands, resistance was progressed by advancing to the next band level. The supervised exercise program was conducted for 6 weeks, 2 days per week. After the 6-week supervised treatment period, participants continued a 6-week home exercise program. The counterforce forearm brace was positioned approximately 2.5 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle and was worn during daytime waking hours for 6 weeks. Participants were instructed to remove the brace during sleep and supervised exercise sessions. Participants were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

  • Exercise + Wrist Orthosis GroupOther

    Participants in this group received a standardized exercise protocol and a wrist orthosis in addition to exercise therapy. The program consisted of an evidence-based combination of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises. Free-weight exercises were initiated with 0.5-1 kg weights, according to individual tolerance, and progressed by 0.5-1 kg increments. For exercises using resistance bands, resistance was progressed by advancing to the next band level. The supervised exercise program was conducted for 6 weeks, 2 days per week. After the 6-week supervised treatment period, participants continued a 6-week home exercise program. The wrist orthosis maintained the wrist in slight extension and was worn during daytime waking hours for 6 weeks. Participants were instructed to remove the orthosis during sleep and supervised exercise sessions. Participants were assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

Study groups in NCT06735092
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Exercise-Only GroupActive comparatorThis was the exercise-only group, in which participants received an exercise program without any additional support or devices such as braces. This group was used to assess the effectiveness of exercise alone compared with other interventions involving braces. A combined evidence-based exercise program consisting of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises was applied to the participants in this group.
Receives: Other: Exercise-Only Group
Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace GroupActive comparatorThis group received a combined treatment approach, including exercise therapy alongside the use of a forearm counterforce brace. A combined evidence-based exercise program consisting of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises was applied to the participants in this group.
Receives: Other: Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace Group
Exercise + Wrist Orthosis GroupActive comparatorThis group received a treatment combining exercise therapy with the use of a wrist orthosis. A combined evidence-based exercise program consisting of wrist isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises was applied to the participants in this group.
Receives: Other: Exercise + Wrist Orthosis Group

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire (PRTEE)

    The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) is a self-reported questionnaire designed to measure pain and functional limitations in individuals with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). It consists of 15 items divided into two subscales: pain (5 items) and functional disability (10 items). Each item is rated on a scale from 0 (no pain or difficulty) to 10 (severe pain or difficulty), with a total score range of 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater pain and disability, while lower scores reflect improvement. The PRTEE is commonly used to assess treatment outcomes and track patient progress over time.

    Measured: Baseline, week 6, week 12; primary endpoint = week 12

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Resting Pain Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS])

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure used to assess pain intensity. It is a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable." Patients are asked to rate their pain level at rest during the previous 24 hours based on this scale. A decrease in the NPRS score indicates an improvement or reduction in pain, while an increase suggests worsening pain. It is a simple and widely used tool for monitoring pain in clinical and research settings.

    Measured: Baseline, week 6, week 12

  2. Activity Pain Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS])

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a subjective measure used to assess pain intensity. It is a 0-10 scale, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable." Patients are asked to rate their pain level during activity based on this scale. A decrease in the NPRS score indicates an improvement or reduction in pain, while an increase suggests worsening pain. It is a simple and widely used tool for monitoring pain in clinical and research settings.

    Measured: Baseline, week 6, week 12

  3. Pain-Free Grip Strength

    Pain-free grip strength is a measure of grip force that can be exerted without provoking pain. It was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. Participants were instructed to gradually increase their grip force until they first experienced pain, and the grip force at that point was recorded. An increase in pain-free grip strength indicates an improvement in grip performance and pain tolerance.

    Measured: Baseline, week 6, week 12

  4. Maximum Grip Strength

    Maximum grip strength is a measure of the maximum force that can be generated during a grip. It was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. Participants were instructed to squeeze the dynamometer as strongly as possible, and the maximum grip force was recorded. An increase in maximum grip strength indicates an improvement in grip performance.

    Measured: Baseline, week 6, week 12

  5. Global Rating of Change (GRC)

    The Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale is a subjective measure used to assess patients' perceived change in their condition following treatment. Participants compare their current condition with their condition before treatment and rate their perceived change. In this study, the GRC was used to assess patients' perceived recovery at weeks 6 and 12. For analysis, responses were categorized as unchanged, better, or much better.

    Measured: Week 6, week 12

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Dec 2024
  2. Study start2 Dec 2024
  3. Primary completion30 Aug 2025
  4. Study completion30 Aug 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study involves three groups with exercise therapy: one with exercise only, one with exercise in addition to a counterforce forearm brace, and one with exercise in addition to a wrist orthosis.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
45 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06735092
Sponsor's protocol ID
IstanbulUC-FTR-B-01
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
11 Dec 2024
Last updated
20 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Exercise-Only Group, Exercise + Forearm Counterforce Brace Group and Exercise + Wrist Orthosis Group in people with Lateral Epicondylitis, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire (PRTEE) (time frame: Baseline, week 6, week 12; primary endpoint = week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Aug 2026.

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