Immediate sensorimotor effects of textured forearm orthosis on elbow tendinopathy: a randomized crossover clinical trial

Abstract

Forearm orthoses are commonly used and are known to improve motor performance in the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy; however, their specific impact on sensory function remains less clear. Sensorimotor function encompasses the integrated process of sensory perception and motor response. This study was to investigate the immediate effect of forearm clasping orthoses with a textured pad on sensorimotor arm function in people with lateral elbow tendinopathy. In a randomized crossover design, 56 individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy underwent four testing conditions: no orthosis, placebo, forearm strap, and forearm clasping orthosis with a textured pad. Pain-free grip strength, elbow proprioception, pain intensity, and hand function were measured three times per condition during the same session and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Both forearm straps (p = 0.01) and clasping orthoses (p = 0.02) significantly improved pain-free grip compared to no orthosis. Both orthoses also significantly improved elbow proprioception (p < 0.001). The forearm strap improved pain intensity (p = 0.002) and hand function (p = 0.001) compared to no orthosis, while the clasping orthosis did not (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two orthoses, or between the no orthosis and placebo conditions (p > 0.05). Forearm straps or clasping orthoses can be considered as immediate, non-invasive interventions to improve elbow proprioception and grip strength in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy.