A standardized clinical series for work-related lateral epicondylitis

This study was a clinical series to pilot test the benefits of a 6-week standardized program designed for a group of patients with work-related lateral epicondylitis. The program was formulated based on a dose-and-response model. A total of 15 female patients were recruited. All patients were involved in educational sessions, home exercise, and progressive work-hardening training. Patients were assessed at admission, predischarge, and 4th week and 12th week follow-ups. The results indicated significant improvements in pain intensity (p ≨ .05), isometric strength and endurance (p ≨ .01), self-perceived performance competence (p ≨ .03), and satisfaction with performance (p ≨ .03) between admission and predischarge. The patients maintained a low pain intensity and high satisfaction within the follow-up period. The program appeared to improve patients' work capacities and satisfaction with performance, but at the same time keep the symptoms at a low level. The control of the pain level and self-initiated optimization of work exposure were important features of a standardized program. Large-scale randomized clinical studies should be conducted to further test its efficacy for this particular patient population. Copyright © 2000 Plenum Publishing Corporation.