Bracing or kinesio taping in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy: A prospective, randomized single-blinded trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of forearm counter force brace (FCB) and kinesio taping (KT) on pain severity, grip strength and functionality of patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). METHODS: The study was planned as a prospective, randomized and assessor-blinded study with 1-month follow-up period. Seventy-two patients, diagnosed as LET were randomly assigned to FCB (n = 41) or KT (n = 31) groups. In the FCB group, the patients were informed and instructed to wear the brace for three weeks continuously. In the KT group, tape was applied once a week for four weeks with muscle inhibition and fascia correction techniques. The outcome measures were pain pressure threshold (PPT), maximal pain-free hand grip strength measurement and patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEE). The assessments were performed at the baseline, immediately after treatment and one month later after treatment. RESULTS: PPT and grip strength were significantly increased over time in both groups. Pain, function and total scores of PRTEE were significantly decreased in both FCB and KT groups. The effect size of the improvement in PRTEE function score was within acceptable clinical significance in the KT group. However, there was no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pain severity, grip strength and functionality of patients with LET improved over time in both FCB and KT groups. However, neither was superior in the management of LET.

Turkish adaptation of Spinal Cord Independence Measure--version III.

Various rating scales have been used to assess ability in individuals with spinal cord injury. There is no specific functional assessment scale for Turkish patients with spinal cord injury. The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) is a specific test, which has become popular in the last decade. A study was conducted to validate and evaluate the Turkish adaptation of the SCIM III (T-SCIM III). The SCIM III was translated into Turkish. Reliability, (internal consistency, interrater reliability, and test-retest reliability), validity (with Functional Independence Measurement), and sensitivity (changes in 8-week exercise program) were studied. Internal consistency for total score was sufficient (Cronbach α=0.79). The interrater reliability was moderate to high (Cohen κ between 0.72 and 1). Convergent validity was high (r=0.89, P<0.01). The T-SCIM III was found to be more sensitive than the Functional Independence Measurement to changes in function. Hence, we recommend the use of T-SCIM III in clinical practice as a reliable, valid, and easy-to-use tool.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain management in patients with uncomplicated minor rib fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Few non-surgical conditions are more painful than rib fractures. There are a few methods for pain relief in patients with minor rib fractures. METHODS: We used a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, Naproxen sodium) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) to control pain of the patients with uncomplicated minor rib fractures. One hundred consecutive patients admitted to Kartal Education and Research Hospital Emergency Service, were randomized into four groups. The patients were assigned to one of the following pain treatments: NSAID, TENS, NSAID plus inactive TENS or placebo. The patients used NSAIDs and placebo four times a day and TENS twice a day for 3 days. All patients were asked to assess their pain level with a scoring system on days 0, 1 and 3. RESULTS: The most effective treatment was TENS on days 1 and 3 (P<0.05). Although NSAID and NSAID plus inactive TENS controlled pain better than placebo on day 1 (P<0.05), this superiority did not continue to day 3 (P>0.05). There was no difference between NSAID and NSAID plus inactive TENS in controlling pain on either days 1 or 3. CONCLUSION: We conclude that TENS was more effective than NSAID or placebo in patients with uncomplicated minor rib fractures, because of its prominent and admirable efficacy in reduction of pain.