Comparison of effectiveness of supervised exercise program and Cyriax physiotherapy in patients with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): a randomized clinical trial.
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language
A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a supervised exercise program with Cyriax physiotherapy for treating tennis elbow. The results showed that both treatments were helpful in reducing pain and improving function, but the supervised exercise program was more effective. This finding is important as it suggests a preferred treatment option for individuals suffering from this condition.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found
- ✓Both treatments significantly reduced pain and improved function.
- ✓The supervised exercise program resulted in greater improvement compared to Cyriax physiotherapy.
- ✓Each participant underwent 12 treatment sessions within 4 weeks.
What This Means for You
For someone considering reflexology treatment for tennis elbow, this study indicates that while reflexology may offer relief, a supervised exercise program could be a more effective first choice for managing pain and improving functionality.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology practitioners can apply these findings by understanding that implementing supervised exercise programs might enhance treatment outcomes for clients with tennis elbow, positioning it as a first-line option.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Limitations: what it cannot tell you
The study had a small sample size of only 20 participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the treatments were not blinded, potentially introducing bias.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
For someone considering reflexology treatment for tennis elbow, this study indicates that while reflexology may offer relief, a supervised exercise program could be a more effective first choice for managing pain and improving functionality.
What did this study find?
Both treatments significantly reduced pain and improved function. The supervised exercise program resulted in greater improvement compared to Cyriax physiotherapy. Each participant underwent 12 treatment sessions within 4 weeks.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 20 participants. It was published in TheScientificWorldJournal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
What are the limitations of this study?
The study had a small sample size of only 20 participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the treatments were not blinded, potentially introducing bias.
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