Decreased intramuscular blood flow in patients with lateral epicondylitis

• The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate intramuscular microcirculation in extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Ten patients with unilateral epicondylitis, mean duration of symptoms of 39 (12-96) months participated. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination and none was under treatment for the last 6 months. Isometric handgrip strength, 2-pinch grip strength and muscle strength during radial deviation and dorsal extension was determined. Functional perceived pain was evaluated by a modified BRS and perceived pain during contraction by VAS. Intramuscular and skin blood flow was recorded by a laser-Doppler flowmetry system technique (LDF) during stable temperature condition. Intramuscular blood flow was significantly lower in the affected side, 22.7 ± 9.8 PU as compared to 35.2 ± 11.9 PU in the control side (P = 0.01). There was no difference in skin blood flow or temperature between affected and control side. A positive correlation was found between duration of symptoms and the difference in intramuscular blood flow between affected and control arm (r = 0.65, P = 0.06). The present data indicate that decreased microcirculation and anaerobic metabolism in ECRB may contribute to the lateral epicondylitis symptoms.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Tvärvetenskapliga studier inom samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

microcirculation

skeletal muscle

laser Doppler flowmetry

lateral epicondylitis

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS

TVÄRVETENSKAPLIGA FORSKNINGSOMRÅDEN

Sports

Idrott

Sports Science

Idrottsvetenskap

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)