Comparison of scapular position and upper extremity muscle strength in patients with and without lateral epicondylalgia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of lateral epicondylalgia (LE) can be persistent, and recurrence is frequent. Recurrence can be related to proximal segment impairment of the kinetic chain. Knowledge of any relation in the kinetic chain in LE may help treatment. We aimed to investigate scapular position and upper extremity muscle strength in patients with LE and to compare them with controls. METHODS: The study enrolled 51 patients with LE and 51 age-matched controls. We assessed scapular position asymmetry using the lateral scapular slide test and measured the strength of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles in addition to shoulder abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation and grip strength. RESULTS: The percentage of participants with scapular asymmetry was greater in the patients than in the controls (P = .005). The involved side regarding shoulder external rotation among the patients was significantly weaker than in the controls (P = .016, P = .009). The involved side of the LE patients was significantly weaker than the uninvolved side in terms of shoulder abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation (P = .013, P = .048, P = .013). The UT/MT ratio on the nondominant side of the controls was significantly greater than that on the involved side of the LE patients (P = .016). CONCLUSION: Upper extremity muscle strength, grip strength, UT/MT ratio, and scapular position are affected in patients with LE. In addition to the elbow, focusing on the upper segments is essential in the management of LE.

Effects of Aircast brace and elastic bandage on physical performance of athletes after ankle injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using Aircast® orthosis and elastic bandage application on the physical performance of athletes with ankle injuries. METHODS: The study included 60 elite male football players with ankle injuries. Ankle range of motion on the sagittal and frontal plane was measured. One maximum repetition test for the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior and peroneal muscles; fingertip rise test, single- and double-feet vertical jump tests and 10-step/sec test for the gastrosoleus were performed. All tests were performed three times; without brace application, wrapped in elastic bandage and fitted with the Aircast® orthosis. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the test results of single-foot vertical jump, 10-step/sec and fingertip rise tests (p>0.05). Double-feet vertical jump test results with both exterior supports were better than the ankle without any support (p<0.05). Vertical jump test results were significantly higher with the Aircast® orthosis than elastic bandage (p<0.05). Inversion and eversion movements were restricted significantly more in the Aircast® orthosis than in the elastic bandage (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although external supports restrict the foot-ankle range of motion in specific ratios, these restrictions did not adversely affect the athlete's physical fitness. The Aircast® orthosis was more effective than the elastic bandage in reducing injury risk, preventing repetitive injuries and providing an early return to sports.