PREVALENCE OF LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND ITS EFFECT ON HAND FUNCTION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Tennis elbow, additionally referred to as lateral epicondylitis (LE), is a condition due to abnormal overloading of the number one extensor tendon. It usually affects the dominant arm and is not uncommon in boys and men.Despite extensive research across various professions, little is known about its prevalence among university students, a group prone to repetitive upper limb movements. Objective: To determine dominant of LE among university students as well as effect on hand function. Methods: A representative study was held in Chandigarh University, including 59 participants aged 18 – 25 years. Participants were selected through the convenient sampling. Participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited after obtaining the informed consent. Demographic details including age, gender and dominant hand were recorded. Data collection involved PRTEE questionnaire, DASH questionnaire, Hand Dynamometer, and Cozen’s test and Mill’s test for clinical diagnosis. Results: The study demonstrated a prevalence of 28.8% (n=17) of lateral epicondylitis, with highest proportion in 22-23 years of age group (27.1%). Females gives larger proportion (54.2%) while males (45.8%) and majority were right-handed (84.7%). The positive Cozen’s test result was observed in 28.8% of participants while 13.6% was observed in Mill’s test. The mean DASH scores in LE group (49.853±10.918) were higher than non-LE group (10.952±6.514). Similarly, PRTEE scores among LE group (58.500±12.772) were higher than non-LE group (11.560±8.788). The grip strength was lower in LE group (20.282±5.151) as compared to non-LE group (34.879±5.190) indicating reduced grip strength with lateral epicondylitis. Overall, study indicates that lateral epicondylitis is present in university students and significantly affects hand function. Conclusion: Overall, the study concludes that lateral epicondylitis has a notable prevalence among students and significantly affect the hand function by increased pain, reduced grip strength and functional limitation. Early screening, ergonomic education and physiotherapeutic management are recommended to reduce impairment.