Immediate Neurophysiological Effects of PENS on Radial Nerve in Patients With Lateral Epicondylalgia
Condition: Tennis Elbow
MeSH terms: Tennis Elbow
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Lateral epicondylalgia is a common musculoskeletal condition that approximately affects 1-3%
      of the general population. Several authors have found greater mechanical pain sensitivity in
      the radial nerve when compared with healthy subjects. Radial tunnel syndrome exhibits a
      similar clinical presentation to lateral epicondylalgia. Percutaneous electrical stimulation
      has shown reduce pain in several conditions. Percutaneous electrical stimulation on the
      radial nerve could cause an important relief in lateral epicondylalgia.

      Hypothesis: Percutaneous electrical stimulation on radial nerve plus in patients with lateral
      epicondylalgia is better than sham percutaneous electrical stimulation
    

Detailed description: 
      Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, using Percutaneous Electrical
      Nerve Stimulation (PENS). PENS is technique to provide a transcutaneous electrical nerve
      stimulation current throughout needling filaments place close to the nerve.

      Study Aims:

      Aim #1: The primary aim of the study is to compare the immediate effect of a single session
      of PENS on pressure pain sensitivity as measured by pressure pain threshold in patients with
      lateral epicondylalgia with random assignment to two treatments: PENS or Sham PENS

      Aim #2: The secondary aim of the study is to compare the immediate effect on pain free grip
      strength, on intensity of pain as measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) in patients with
      lateral epicondylalgia with random assignment to two treatments: PENS or Sham PENS.
    

Intervention name(s): Real PENS; Sham PENS
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): The technique will be performed ultrasound-guided on the radial nerve, the places of the needle's insertions will be the following:
Needle will be placed at under the lateral intermuscular septum between the triceps brachii and brachialis, approximately 10cm superior to the lateral epicondyle Needle will be placed at the upper third of the forearm on the posterior interosseous nerve after passing the arcade of Frohse's
The percutaneous electrical stimulation will be realized with a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) current:
TENS Frequency 2 Hz TENS Pulse width - 250 microseconds Duration - 30 minutes. TENS Intensity - Increased at an intensity of visible motor response of the innervated musculature and maximal tolerable intensity.
Administration - One single session.; The technique will be performed ultrasound-guided on the radial nerve, the places of the needle's insertions will be the following:
Needle will be placed at under the lateral intermuscular septum between the triceps brachii and brachialis, approximately 10cm superior to the lateral epicondyle Needle will be placed at the upper third of the forearm on the posterior interosseous nerve after passing the arcade of Frohse's
The electrical current will not be working, and the needles will be placed during 30 minutes:
- Administration - One single session
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Lateral Epicondylalgia; Lateral Epicondylitis; Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy; Lateral Elbow Pain; Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation