The Short-Term Effects of Biomechanical Taping on Upper Extremity Muscles in Unilateral Lateral Epicondylalgia: A Pre-and Post- Experimental Study Protocol

Background : Lateral epicondylalgia (LE) causes ineffective handgrip due to microtrauma on the elbow's common extensor origin. Objectives: This study will determine the differences in the Extensor Digitorum Communis' (EDC) fascia slide, percentage maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC), static maximum handgrip strength (SMHGT), muscle activation onset time (MAOT) in LE and non-LE elbows, with and without Biomechanical Tape (BMT). The study will determine differences in Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) scores of patients with and without BMT. Methods : Nineteen participants' elbows with unilateral LE with and without BMT will be evaluated using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK) and electromyography (EMG) on Days 1, 3, and 5. A Physiotherapist-Sonographer, a Physiotherapist-EMG user, and a Research Assistant using Jamar hydraulic dynamometer will evaluate the participants. The participants will perform Mill's test during MSK and SMHGT using the dynamometer during EMG. A Chi-squared test will evaluate the relationship between BMT and fascia slide. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA will compare the fascia slide, %MVC, SMHGT, and MAOT between elbows with and without BMT. It will be blocked according to elbow status (i.e., LE, no LE). Dunnett post hoc test will determine the groups whose results differed significantly. Differences in PRTEE scores at Days 1 and 5 will be determined. A p -value <0.05 indicates a significant difference in scores. Expected Results : We expect decreased fascial slide measurements on EDC, VAS, PRTEE scores, and increased %MVC, MAOT, and SMHGT on taped elbows. Results will determine the underpinning mechanism behind the short-term effects of BMT.