An investigation into the role of muscle imbalances within the wrist flexor and extensor muscle groups as an associated factor in the presentation of lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

Many studies have been done investigating the role that muscle imbalances play in causing injury to the body, for example the knee and the shoulder. It has been found that keeping muscle balances around a joint play an important role in protecting the soft tissue structures. There is a need to further investigate the effect of muscle imbalances in the upper limb. Additionally, according to the literature, as yet no effective treatment protocol or a specific cause has been found for lateral epicondylitis making it a troubling condition for practitioners to treat and a disabling condition for patients to live with. Therefore, this research aimed at investigating whether muscle imbalances are associated with the aetiology of lateral epicondylitis. If an association was found, people involved in predisposing activities could improve the imbalance to avoid the condition, thereby minimizing time spent away from work and sport. Also, a more effective and efficient management protocol for the painful condition could be attained.

The objectives of this study included: 1) assessing the peak torque (using the Cybex Orthotron II) and muscle activity (using surface electromyography) of the wrist flexor and extensor muscle groups of asymptomatic subjects; 2) assessing the peak torque (using the Cybex Orthotron II) and muscle activity (using surface electromyography) of the wrist flexor and extensor muscle groups of symptomatic subjects and 3) to integrate this information, compare the two groups and subgroups and statistically analyse the difference between them.