Lateral EpicondylitisNCT06459102
The Effect of Motor Learning Exercises on Lateral Epicondylitis
A study testing Motor Learning in people with Lateral Epicondylitis, run by KTO Karatay University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of motor learning training in addition to a 6-week conventional physiotherapy program on motor imagery, function pain and grip strength in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis. 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?
- Motor Learning
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 46 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2024to 30 Jul 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
- a diagnosis of chronic LET by a physician and
- a pain score > 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS)
Who cannot join
- concomitant disorders of the wrist and forearm, such as elbow fracture or dislocation, and
- treatment with corticosteroid injections within the previous 6 months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Motor Learning Exercises on Motor Imagery, Function, Pain and Grip Strength in Individuals With Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of motor learning training in addition to a 6-week conventional physiotherapy program on motor imagery, function pain and grip strength in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis. At the end of the study, it is aimed to develop a system for motor learning training in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis and to create a new exercise protocol.
Read the detailed description
The study will include 46 volunteers aged 18-65 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Motor learning (n=23) and control (n=23) groups according to an internet-based randomization program.
The system to be used in the first phase of the study will be developed. The system will consist of a glove with a pressure sensor on the inner surface and an M-IMU sensor on the outer surface, a computer and a monitor. The pressure sensor on the inner surface will collect instantaneous data on grip force and the M-IMU sensor on the outer surface will collect instantaneous data on wrist movement. The software to be developed will process the instantaneous information from the sensors and reflect it to the monitor.
In the second phase of the study, the effectiveness of the motor learning exercise protocol to be applied with the developed system will be evaluated.
The motor learning group will receive 3 sessions of motor learning exercise per week for 6 weeks, 5 days a week, in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program.
The control group will receive eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle and static stretching exercises for the ECRB muscle in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program 5 days a week for 6 weeks.
All evaluations of the participants will be performed blindly by an independent investigator before and at the end of the study.
Participants' motor imagery will be assessed through a left/right judgment task in which they must recognize whether hand images correspond to their left or right side using the Recognise™ application (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, Adelaide, Australia).
Participants' function will be assessed using the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale, and grip strength will be assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer.
Activities of Daily Living The DASH questionnaire is a questionnaire that asks about physical activities and symptoms of disease. It helps to assess problematic arm, shoulder and hand activities. It is a 30-item questionnaire that assesses the patient's ability to perform certain upper limb activities. These activities include activities performed at home, whether there are complaints such as pain, weakness, tingling in the hand, arm or shoulder, sports activities, etc. The DASH is a self-report questionnaire in which patients can rate difficulties and interventions in their daily lives on a 5-point Likert scale. The lower the calculated DASH score, the better the patient's functionality.
Satisfaction Participants' satisfaction will be assessed through a satisfaction survey on technological rehabilitation practices.
- Conditions
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Being tested
- Motor Learning, Control
- Medical subject headings
- Tennis Elbow
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Motor LearningOther
In addition to the conventional physiotherapy program .... per week for 4 weeks Sessions of motor learning exercise will be performed. For the exercise, the participant will sit in a chair with back support, in front of a table, with arms on the table. The participant will wear a glove with an IMU sensor on the upper surface and a pressure sensor on the palm, and a cylinder will be placed in the palm. The participant will be asked to bring the wrist into extension and then back into flexion while grasping the cylinder with maximum force. The participant will be asked to maintain maximum strength during the entire movement. The participant will be given visual feedback on muscle strength and range of motion of the wrist on the monitor in front of them throughout the movement. The same protocol will be applied by keeping the size of the cylinder in the participant's palm the same and changing the weight.
ControlOther
The control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. Eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle, the most affected wrist extensor tendon, and static stretching exercises for the ECRB muscle will be given. For eccentric training, the weight that the patients can lift in 10 maximal repetitions will be calculated and they will be asked to work with this weight. The best stretching position for the ECRB tendon is extension of the elbow joint, pronation of the forearm and flexion of the wrist with ulnar deviation. Each participant will be taught to perform each exercise for 10 repetitions and 10 seconds. Patients will perform these exercises in a sitting position. In the control group, daily exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Learning | Experimental | In addition to the conventional physiotherapy program, motor learning exercise will be performed for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. For the exercise, the participant will sit in a chair with back support, in front of a table, with arms on the table. The participant will wear a glove with an IMU sensor on the upper surface and a pressure sensor on the palm, and a cylinder will be placed in the palm. The participant will be asked to bring the wrist into extension and then back into flexion while grasping the cylinder with maximum force. The participant will be asked to maintain maximum strength during the entire movement. The participant will be given visual feedback on muscle strength and range of motion of the wrist on the monitor in front of them throughout the movement. The same protocol will be applied by keeping the size of the cylinder in the participant's palm the same and changing the weight. Receives: Other: Motor Learning |
| Control | Active comparator | The control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. Eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle, the most affected wrist extensor tendon, and static stretching exercises for the ECRB muscle will be given. For eccentric training, the weight that the patients can lift in 10 maximal repetitions will be calculated and they will be asked to work with this weight. The best stretching position for the ECRB tendon is extension of the elbow joint, pronation of the forearm and flexion of the wrist with ulnar deviation. Each participant will be taught to perform each exercise for 10 repetitions and 10 seconds. Patients will perform these exercises in a sitting position. In the control group, daily exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Receives: Other: Control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Motor imagery
Motor imagery will be assessed through a left/right judgment task in which participants will need to recognize whether hand images correspond to their left or right side using the Recognise™ application (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, Adelaide, Australia).
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (5)
Function
Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating increased pain and loss of function
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks
Elbow Pain
Participants' pain will be assessed with a 10 cm visual analog scale. For pain, 0 (baseline) means no pain and the other end (10, endpoint) means very severe pain; the patient marks his/her pain level on this 10 cm line. The assessment will be done at night, at rest and patient activity pain.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks
Grip strength
The maximal grip strength of the patients will be measured with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Measurements will be performed in two positions. In the sitting position, measurements will be made in shoulder adduction, elbow 90 flexion, forearm neutral position, wrist 0-30 extension and 0-15 ulnar deviation. In standing position, shoulder abduction, elbow extension and forearm neutral position will be measured. Patients will be asked to press the dynamometer with maximum force for 3 seconds and this value will be recorded as the maximum grip force. The measurements will be repeated three times at 30-second intervals on the affected limb and the average of the measurements will be recorded.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks
Activities of Daily Living
The DASH questionnaire is a questionnaire that asks about physical activities and symptoms of disease. It helps to assess problematic arm, shoulder and hand activities. It is a 30-item questionnaire that assesses the patient's ability to perform certain upper limb activities. These activities include activities performed at home, whether there are complaints such as pain, weakness, tingling in the hand, arm or shoulder, sports activities, etc. The DASH is a self-report questionnaire in which patients can rate difficulties and interventions in their daily lives on a 5-point Likert scale. The lower the calculated DASH score, the better the patient's functionality.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks
Treatment satisfaction
Participants' satisfaction will be assessed through a satisfaction survey on technological rehabilitation practices
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jun 2024
- Study start1 Sep 2024
- Primary completion29 Jul 2025
- Study completion30 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Lateral EpicondylitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- KTO Karatay University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06459102
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KaratayUH12
- Status last verified
- Jun 2024
- First submitted
- 10 Jun 2024
- Last updated
- 31 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Gercek H, Cihan E, Celik F, Sonmez Unuvar B, Sari Z. Pain, grip strength, and motor imagery reaction time are associated with pain and disability in individuals with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2026 Feb;81:103463. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103463. Epub 2025 Dec 1.
PubMed 41349351
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Motor Learning Exercises on Motor Imagery, Function, Pain and Grip Strength in Individuals With Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06459102
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KaratayUH12
- Conditions
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 46 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- KTO Karatay UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of motor learning training in addition to a 6-week conventional physiotherapy program on motor imagery, function pain and grip strength in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis. At the end of the study, it is aimed to develop a system for motor learning training in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis and to create a new exercise protocol.
Detailed description
The study will include 46 volunteers aged 18-65 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Motor learning (n=23) and control (n=23) groups according to an internet-based randomization program.
The system to be used in the first phase of the study will be developed. The system will consist of a glove with a pressure sensor on the inner surface and an M-IMU sensor on the outer surface, a computer and a monitor. The pressure sensor on the inner surface will collect instantaneous data on grip force and the M-IMU sensor on the outer surface will collect instantaneous data on wrist movement. The software to be developed will process the instantaneous information from the sensors and reflect it to the monitor.
In the second phase of the study, the effectiveness of the motor learning exercise protocol to be applied with the developed system will be evaluated.
The motor learning group will receive 3 sessions of motor learning exercise per week for 6 weeks, 5 days a week, in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program.
The control group will receive eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle and static stretching exercises for the ECRB muscle in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program 5 days a week for 6 weeks.
All evaluations of the participants will be performed blindly by an independent investigator before and at the end of the study.
Participants' motor imagery will be assessed through a left/right judgment task in which they must recognize whether hand images correspond to their left or right side using the Recognise™ application (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, Adelaide, Australia).
Participants' function will be assessed using the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale, and grip strength will be assessed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer.
Activities of Daily Living The DASH questionnaire is a questionnaire that asks about physical activities and symptoms of disease. It helps to assess problematic arm, shoulder and hand activities. It is a 30-item questionnaire that assesses the patient's ability to perform certain upper limb activities. These activities include activities performed at home, whether there are complaints such as pain, weakness, tingling in the hand, arm or shoulder, sports activities, etc. The DASH is a self-report questionnaire in which patients can rate difficulties and interventions in their daily lives on a 5-point Likert scale. The lower the calculated DASH score, the better the patient's functionality.
Satisfaction Participants' satisfaction will be assessed through a satisfaction survey on technological rehabilitation practices.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Learning | Experimental | Other: Motor LearningIn addition to the conventional physiotherapy program, motor learning exercise will be performed for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. For the exercise, the participant will sit in a chair with back support, in front of a table, with arms on the table. The participant will wear a glove with an IMU sensor on the upper surface and a pressure sensor on the palm, and a cylinder will be placed in the palm. The participant will be asked to bring the wrist into extension and then back into flexion while grasping the cylinder with maximum force. The participant will be asked to maintain maximum strength during the entire movement. The participant will be given visual feedback on muscle strength and range of motion of the wrist on the monitor in front of them throughout the movement. The same protocol will be applied by keeping the size of the cylinder in the participant's palm the same and changing the weight. |
| Control | Active comparator | Other: ControlThe control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. Eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle, the most affected wrist extensor tendon, and static stretching exercises for the ECRB muscle will be given. For eccentric training, the weight that the patients can lift in 10 maximal repetitions will be calculated and they will be asked to work with this weight. The best stretching position for the ECRB tendon is extension of the elbow joint, pronation of the forearm and flexion of the wrist with ulnar deviation. Each participant will be taught to perform each exercise for 10 repetitions and 10 seconds. Patients will perform these exercises in a sitting position. In the control group, daily exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- a diagnosis of chronic LET by a physician and
- a pain score > 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS)
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- concomitant disorders of the wrist and forearm, such as elbow fracture or dislocation, and
- treatment with corticosteroid injections within the previous 6 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Motor LearningIn addition to the conventional physiotherapy program .... per week for 4 weeks Sessions of motor learning exercise will be performed. For the exercise, the participant will sit in a chair with back support, in front of a table, with arms on the table. The participant will wear a glove with an IMU sensor on the upper surface and a pressure sensor on the palm, and a cylinder will be placed in the palm. The participant will be asked to bring the wrist into extension and then back into flexion while grasping the cylinder with maximum force. The participant will be asked to maintain maximum strength during the entire movement. The participant will be given visual feedback on muscle strength and range of motion of the wrist on the monitor in front of them throughout the movement. The same protocol will be applied by keeping the size of the cylinder in the participant's palm the same and changing the weight. | Other | Motor Learning |
| ControlThe control group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. Eccentric training for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle, the most affected wrist extensor tendon, and static stretching exercises for the ECRB muscle will be given. For eccentric training, the weight that the patients can lift in 10 maximal repetitions will be calculated and they will be asked to work with this weight. The best stretching position for the ECRB tendon is extension of the elbow joint, pronation of the forearm and flexion of the wrist with ulnar deviation. Each participant will be taught to perform each exercise for 10 repetitions and 10 seconds. Patients will perform these exercises in a sitting position. In the control group, daily exercises will be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist | Other | Control |
Primary outcome
Motor imagery
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Motor imagery will be assessed through a left/right judgment task in which participants will need to recognize whether hand images correspond to their left or right side using the Recognise™ application (Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, Adelaide, Australia).
5 secondary outcomes
Function
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Elbow Pain
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Grip strength
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Activities of Daily Living
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Treatment satisfaction
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Jul 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41349351Gercek H, Cihan E, Celik F, Sonmez Unuvar B, Sari Z. Pain, grip strength, and motor imagery reaction time are associated with pain and disability in individuals with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2026 Feb;81:103463. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103463. Epub 2025 Dec 1.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Motor Learning in people with Lateral Epicondylitis, run by KTO Karatay University 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 2 inclusion and 2 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 31 Jul 2025. 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?
Motor imagery (time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06459102, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 31 Jul 2025.