Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylopathy is a frequent overload injury of the common wrist extensor tendons. This study was designed to compare between the effects of the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) and microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) on improving pain intensity, threshold, and grip strength in patients with lateral epicondylopathy. Methods: Eighty-four subjects were randomly assigned into three equal groups. Group 1 received PEMF and exercises, group 2 received MENS and exercises, and group 3 received exercises. All subjects received three visits a week for 4 weeks. The visual analogue scale, the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire and the hand dynamometer were used to measure pain intensity, disability and grip strength. Results: There were improvements in all dependent variables. Also, subjects who received PEMF and exercises had the most significant effects. PEMF may be more effective than MENS in treating lateral epicondylopathy by reducing pain intensity, disability and increasing grip strength. Conclusions: PEMF may be more effective than MENS in treating lateral epicondylopathy by reducing pain intensity, disability and increasing grip strength.