Published: Jun 15, 2016
  
 
     
 
Sports biomechanics Tennis elbow Lateral epicondylitis Lateral elbow tendinopathy
  
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
   
 
 
 
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    Home / Archives / Vol. 12 No.2 (2016): JUL - DEC / Review Article  
 
   
 

The application of biomechanics for treatment of Tennis elbow in tennis players
   
 
   
   
     
 
อังคณา เทพเลิศบุญ
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Excellence Center, Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, Medical Service Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Abstract

Introduction: Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a common overuse injury of the musculotendinous unit of the wrist extensor, especially Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB). The patients usually present with pain localized to the lateral elbow of the dominant arm. Additionally, it has been found in repetitive athletic or occupational activities associated with wrist extension against resistance and forearm supination that induced cumulative injury. A basic biomechanics and analysis of the forces, loads and motions during performing activities will improve the understanding of the pathomechanics of lateral epicondylitis and benefit for treatment and prevention.


Objective: To apply the biomechanical principles relevant to lateral epicondylitis etiology in tennis players and use for treatment and prevention.


Methodology: Review articles.


Results: There were several intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors associated with the pathomechanics of lateral epicondylitis, such as age, muscle weakness or imbalance, poor equipment, number of repetitions during training and competitions, and excessive joint loadings. The application of biomechanics for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of tennis elbow in tennis players could be done by early resistance exercise, especially eccentric exercise, should be initiated in the patients to assist the appropriate tissue remodeling and increase tensile strength of the muscle-tendon unit for the proper biomechanical chain. Also, static stretching exercise should be trained to improve tendon flexibility. Moreover, training errors should be modified by appropriate progression, overload and adaptation. Coordination, proprioceptive and sport-specific training are also important to generate an optimal kinetic chain. Furthermore, the characteristics of the racquet, such as being larger head size, lighter, lesser tightly strung and have more strings per unit area, should be modified to absorb shock and reduce the force transmission to the arm. In addition, counterforce bracing reduces load on the lesion that should be correctly applied approximately 4 inches below the elbow joint.


Conclusion: Tennis activities require optimal activation of links in the kinetic chain outlined for power for efficient function with maximal performance. The incorrect flow of energy may induce injury. The application of biomechanics by modifying the risk factors of disease is useful for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of tennis elbow in tennis players.


Keywords: Sports biomechanics, Tennis elbow, Lateral epicondylitis, Lateral elbow tendinopathy

  
     
     
 
    How to Cite  
     
  เทพเลิศบุญ อ. (2016). The application of biomechanics for treatment of Tennis elbow in tennis players. Journal of Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, 12(2), 81–90. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JCP/article/view/178285  
     

 
 
     
     
 
    Issue  
     
  Vol. 12 No.2 (2016): JUL - DEC  

 
 
     
     
 
    Section  
     
  Review Article  

 
 
     
     
     
 

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