NCT07564713 Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis
| NCT ID | NCT07564713 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Hitit University |
| Condition | Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 50 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-05-04 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-09-29 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 50 participants in total. It began in 2026-05-04 with a primary completion date of 2026-09-29.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and functional impairment of the elbow, often associated with degenerative changes in the common extensor tendon. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are widely used noninvasive treatment modalities; however, comparative evidence regarding their clinical and structural effects remains limited. Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of ESWT and LLLT on pain intensity, elbow function, quality of life, grip strength, and ultrasonographic characteristics of the extensor tendon (thickness and echogenicity) in patients with lateral epicondylitis. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blind, comparative clinical trial will be conducted at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. Patients aged 18-65 years with clinically diagnosed lateral epicondylitis and symptom duration of at least six weeks will be included. All participants will receive a tennis elbow brace and a standardized exercise program. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ESWT or LLLT. ESWT will be applied to the lateral epicondyle region using a standardized protocol once weekly for 3 weeks. LLLT will be administered to the same region using standard clinical protocol three times per week for 3 weeks. Assessments will be performed before and after treatment. Pain will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), elbow function using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and grip strength using a hand dynamometer. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the common extensor tendon will be performed by a blinded specialist using a high-frequency linear probe to assess tendon thickness.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis based on physical examination findings * Symptom duration of at least 6 weeks * Presence of lateral elbow pain aggravated by wrist extension and/or gripping activities * Ability to understand and comply with study procedures * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgery involving the affected elbow * History of corticosteroid or other injection therapy to the affected elbow within the last 6 months * Presence of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity * Systemic inflammatory or metabolic diseases that may affect tendon structure or healing * Cervical radiculopathy or other causes of referred upper extremity pain * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Use of anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders * Severe comorbid conditions that may interfere with participation
Contact & Investigator
Pınar Başaran, Dr
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Hitit University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07564713 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow). Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07564713 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07564713 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at pinarozge@yahoo.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07564713 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Çorum, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07564713 clinical trial?
NCT07564713 is sponsored by Hitit University. The principal investigator is Pınar Başaran, Dr at Hitit University. The trial plans to enroll 50 participants.