Psychosocial and personality factors and physical measures in lateral epicondylalgia reveal two groups of 'tennis elbow' patients, requiring different management

摘要

Background and purpose: Nirschl's lateral epicondylalgia (LE) classification appears prognostic but is based upon an outdated model of tendinopathy. Psychosocial factors which may negatively influence treatment outcomes, central nervous system mediated hypersensitivity and motor impairment all occur in epicondylalgia. This study examines psychosocial/personality factors and physical measures in LE correlating them with Nirschl's sub-groups. Methods: Fifty-four subjects with LE and 43 healthy controls, recruited from primary care in Norway were assessed. Measures included: pressure pain threshold (PPT), isometric maximal load pain tolerance (MLT) and isometric low load (sustained hold of 0.5 kg weight) pain tolerance (LLT) of the wrist extensors, all of which were undertaken bilaterally; the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (OMPSQ.), and the Swedish Scales of Personality.