Lateral EpicondylitisNCT07238413
Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises and ESWT in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
A study testing ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program in people with Lateral Epicondylitis and Tennis Elbow, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
We aim to investigate the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Lateral Epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow
- What is being tested?
- ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2025to 30 Apr 2026
- 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
- Aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by a physician, with positive Mill's, Cozen's, or Thomsen tests.
- Experiencing pain and tenderness over and around the lateral epicondyle for at least 3 months, with symptoms exacerbated by resisted elbow extension, wrist extension, gripping, and supination.
- Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- • Individuals with serious systemic or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate exercise of the hand and upper extremity.
- Those diagnosed with upper extremity entrapment neuropathies.
- Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy.
- Individuals with open wounds on the hand or upper extremity.
- Pregnant women or those suspected of being pregnant.
- Patients who have received physiotherapy and/or injection treatments within the last 6 weeks.
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- Patients with diabetes mellitus, rheumatologic diseases, or neurological disorders.
- Individuals who have undergone upper extremity surgery or had an upper extremity fracture within the last 6 months.
- Patients with coagulation disorders or those receiving anticoagulant therapy.
- Individuals with conditions causing degenerative changes in the hand and upper extremity.
- Patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, medial epicondylitis, radiohumeral bursitis, or cervical disc pathology.
- Patients using analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications other than acetaminophen (paracetamol).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Applied in Addition to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Muscle Strength, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
We aim to investigate the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life.
Read the detailed description
Forty eight volunteer participants with lateral epycondilitis aged 18 to 65 years were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as study and control group. In the control group, a protocol including ESWT, stretching of the ECRB muscle and wrist extensor muscles, and isometric, eccentric, and concentric strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors will be applied.
In the study group, the same protocol will be administered (ESWT, stretching of the ECRB and wrist extensor muscles, and strengthening exercises), with the addition of scapular stabilization exercises.
The exercise program will be conducted twice a week for 8 weeks. At the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the eighth week, pain, muscle strength, functional status, and Quality of Life were evaluated between groups
- Conditions
- Lateral Epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow
- Being tested
- ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program
- Keywords
- tennis elbow, ESWT, Pain, Scapular muscle training, functional status
- Medical subject headings
- Tennis Elbow, Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise programOther
Participants in the study group will follow a treatment protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) - 5 sessions, once per week - combined with stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and wrist extensor muscles, strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors, and an additional scapular stabilization exercise program. This combined program will be performed twice per week for a duration of 8 weeks.
The scapular stabilization component will include strengthening exercises targeting the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. The program will consist of scapular clock exercises, wall push-up exercises, and wall slide or ball slide exercises performed on a wall.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| control group | Active comparator | Participants in the control group will receive a protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle and wrist extensor muscles, as well as isometric, eccentric, and concentric strengthening exercises targeting the wrist extensors.
The ESWT will be applied once a week, for a total of 5 sessions Receives: Other: ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program |
| Study group | Experimental | Participants in the study group will follow a treatment protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) - 5 sessions, once per week - combined with stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and wrist extensor muscles, strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors, and an additional scapular stabilization exercise program. This combined program will be performed twice per week for a duration of 8 weeks.
The scapular stabilization component will include strengthening exercises targeting the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. The program will consist of scapular clock exercises, wall push-up exercises, and wall slide or ball slide exercises performed on a wall. Receives: Other: ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). On this scale, a score of 0 indicates "no pain" and a score of 10 represents "the worst possible pain." Participants will be asked to mark their perceived pain level on a 10 cm horizontal line, anchored at 0 and 10. The distance from the left end of the line to the participant's mark will be measured in centimeters and recorded. The VAS is a valid and reliable tool for pain assessment. Pain will be evaluated separately at rest, during activity, and at night.
Measured: From baseline assesment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Scapular Position Assessment: (Lateral Scapular Slide Test)
The distance between the inferior angle of each scapula and the nearest spinous process will be measured in three different test positions on both sides using a measuring tape.
A side-to-side difference of 1.5 cm or more is considered a positive result and indicates scapular asymmetry.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Pressure Pain Threshold Measurement
Measurements will be performed with a digital algometer while the participant is seated, with the shoulder abducted at 30°, the elbow flexed at 90°, and the forearm, wrist, and hand supported. Pressure pain threshold will be measured over the lateral epicondyle. Three measurements will be taken at each point using the 1 cm² tip of the algometer, and the average of these three measurements will be recorded.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Functional Status
PRTEE (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation):
The PRTEE is designed specifically for lateral epicondylitis and consists of 15 items divided into 3 subscales. Each item is scored from 0 to 10. Higher scores on the scale indicate worse functional status.
(The subscales assess pain, specific activities, and general daily activities.)
JHand:
JHand evaluates the functional status of the upper extremity and consists of 25 items. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 (no difficulty) to 4 (unable to perform). Higher scores on this scale also indicate worse functional status.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Grip Strength
Patients' grip strength will be assessed using a Jamar hand dynamometer, following the protocol recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Muscle Strength
Muscle strength of the lower and middle trapezius, serratus anterior, and wrist extensor muscles will be measured using a handheld dynamometer before and after the treatment.
Measured: 0 and 8 week
Health-Related Quality of Life
Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) is a validated and reliable questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life. It includes 12 items covering both physical and mental health domains, and provides two summary scores: the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). Higher scores indicate better perceived health status.
Measured: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Nov 2025
- Study start1 Nov 2025
- Primary completion15 Apr 2026
- Study completion30 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Lateral EpicondylitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Saglik Bilimleri UniversitesiThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Model description
- Parallel Assignment Randomized Study model
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Büşra Yalçın, Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07238413
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TR ISTANBU60
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 28 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 30 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises Applied in Addition to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Pain, Muscle Strength, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07238413
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TR ISTANBU60
- Conditions
- Lateral Epicondylitis, Tennis Elbow
- Keywords
- tennis elbow, ESWT, Pain, Scapular muscle training, functional status
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Saglik Bilimleri UniversitesiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Nov 2025 (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.
We aim to investigate the effects of adding scapular stabilization exercises to the extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) protocol in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life.
Detailed description
Forty eight volunteer participants with lateral epycondilitis aged 18 to 65 years were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as study and control group. In the control group, a protocol including ESWT, stretching of the ECRB muscle and wrist extensor muscles, and isometric, eccentric, and concentric strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors will be applied.
In the study group, the same protocol will be administered (ESWT, stretching of the ECRB and wrist extensor muscles, and strengthening exercises), with the addition of scapular stabilization exercises.
The exercise program will be conducted twice a week for 8 weeks. At the beginning of the treatment and at the end of the eighth week, pain, muscle strength, functional status, and Quality of Life were evaluated between groups
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Parallel Assignment Randomized Study model
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| control group | Active comparator | Other: ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise programParticipants in the control group will receive a protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle and wrist extensor muscles, as well as isometric, eccentric, and concentric strengthening exercises targeting the wrist extensors. The ESWT will be applied once a week, for a total of 5 sessions |
| Study group | Experimental | Other: ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise programParticipants in the study group will follow a treatment protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) - 5 sessions, once per week - combined with stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and wrist extensor muscles, strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors, and an additional scapular stabilization exercise program. This combined program will be performed twice per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The scapular stabilization component will include strengthening exercises targeting the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. The program will consist of scapular clock exercises, wall push-up exercises, and wall slide or ball slide exercises performed on a wall. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Aged between 18 and 65 years.
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- • Individuals with serious systemic or cardiovascular diseases that contraindicate exercise of the hand and upper extremity.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise programParticipants in the study group will follow a treatment protocol consisting of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) - 5 sessions, once per week - combined with stretching exercises for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and wrist extensor muscles, strengthening exercises for the wrist extensors, and an additional scapular stabilization exercise program. This combined program will be performed twice per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The scapular stabilization component will include strengthening exercises targeting the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. The program will consist of scapular clock exercises, wall push-up exercises, and wall slide or ball slide exercises performed on a wall. | Other | Study group, control group |
Primary outcome
Pain Assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Time frame: From baseline assesment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Pain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). On this scale, a score of 0 indicates "no pain" and a score of 10 represents "the worst possible pain." Participants will be asked to mark their perceived pain level on a 10 cm horizontal line, anchored at 0 and 10. The distance from the left end of the line to the participant's mark will be measured in centimeters and recorded. The VAS is a valid and reliable tool for pain assessment. Pain will be evaluated separately at rest, during activity, and at night.
Scapular Position Assessment: (Lateral Scapular Slide Test)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
The distance between the inferior angle of each scapula and the nearest spinous process will be measured in three different test positions on both sides using a measuring tape. A side-to-side difference of 1.5 cm or more is considered a positive result and indicates scapular asymmetry.
Pressure Pain Threshold Measurement
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Measurements will be performed with a digital algometer while the participant is seated, with the shoulder abducted at 30°, the elbow flexed at 90°, and the forearm, wrist, and hand supported. Pressure pain threshold will be measured over the lateral epicondyle. Three measurements will be taken at each point using the 1 cm² tip of the algometer, and the average of these three measurements will be recorded.
Functional Status
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
PRTEE (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation): The PRTEE is designed specifically for lateral epicondylitis and consists of 15 items divided into 3 subscales. Each item is scored from 0 to 10. Higher scores on the scale indicate worse functional status. (The subscales assess pain, specific activities, and general daily activities.) JHand: JHand evaluates the functional status of the upper extremity and consists of 25 items. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 (no difficulty) to 4 (unable to perform). Higher scores on this scale also indicate worse functional status.
3 secondary outcomes
Grip Strength
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Muscle Strength
Time frame: 0 and 8 week
Health-Related Quality of Life
Time frame: baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.
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 30 Sep 2026.
- 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 ESWT + Scapular stabilization exercise program in people with Lateral Epicondylitis and Tennis Elbow, run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi 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 4 inclusion and 12 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 30 Sep 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?
Pain Assessment: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (time frame: From baseline assesment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. 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 30 Sep 2026.