Forearm muscle activity is modified bilaterally in unilateral lateral epicondylalgia: A case‐control study

• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12584
• Publication Date: 2015-12-01T05:53:17Z
• Authors: L. J. Heales; B. Vicenzino; D. A. MacDonald; P. W. Hodges
• Keywords: Flexor muscles; Extensor muscle

Lateral epicondylalgia (LE) is associated with a reduced wrist extensor muscle activity and altered biomechanics. This study compared the coordination between forearm muscles during gripping in individuals LE pain-free controls. Intramuscular electrodes recorded myoelectric from carpi radialis brevis/longus (ECRB/ECRL), digitorum communis (EDC), flexor superficialis/profundus (FDS/FDP), (FCR), bilaterally, 15 participants unilateral Participants performed task at 20% maximum force four arm positions. The contribution of each was expressed as proportion summed electromyography all muscles. In LE, ECRB contributed less to total symptomatic but not asymptomatic than EDC FDP greater both group, No other differences were observed groups. Subtle activation present differing These findings indicate modified LE. It unknown whether this cause or effect. Changes side may imply involvement central mechanisms.