The Effects of Muscle Strength and Muscle Endurance on Upper Extremity Functions of Lateral Epicondylitis Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Lateral epicondylitis can cause limitations in upper extremity functions of patients due to the decrease in upper extremity musclestrength and endurance in patients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of muscle strength and endurance on upper extremityfunctions in patients with lateral epicondylitis.Methods: Forty-five patients (mean age: 47.60±3.22, 30 females, 15 male) diagnosed with chronic lateral epicondylitis were included in thestudy. Upper extremity muscle endurance of the patients was evaluated with unsupported arm exercise test (in 1st and 2nd diagonal pattern),upper extremity muscle strength of the patients was evaluated with Hand Held Dynamometer (HHD), and upper extremity functions of thepatients were evaluated with Lateral Epicondylitis Function Scale (LEFS) scores.Results: There was a moderate negative correlation between the unsupported arm exercise test endurance on the affected side and the LEFSscores of the patients with lateral epicondylitis (p