Eccentric Isokinetic Rehabilitation for Chronic Lateral Epicondylitis in Female Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Bilateral Neuromuscular Adaptations and Functional Performance

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of eccentric isokinetic muscle strengthening versus passive motion protocols on neuromuscular function and performance capacity in female swimmers with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five swimmers (age 46.1 +/- 3.1 years) with lateral epicondylitis exceeding three months' duration completed a randomized controlled trial comparing eccentric training in Controlled Active Motion mode (experimental group (EG), n = 13) against passive motion in Continuous Passive Motion mode (control group (CG), n = 12). Both groups performed 18 supervised sessions over six weeks (60 degrees/s angular velocity, progressive loading 1-12 sets & times; 5 repetitions). Bilateral concentric peak torque of elbow extensors and flexors constituted the primary outcomes. Secondary measures included push-up performance, explosive power assessed by the Seated Medicine Ball Chest Push Test, and goniometric range of motion. Linear mixed-effects models and analysis of covariance with baseline adjustment were employed. Results: Eccentric training produced side-specific strength adaptations in elbow flexors (confirmed interaction: F-1,F-23 = 8.56, p = 0.008, eta(2)(p) = 0.271), with the experimental group demonstrating balanced bilateral gains, whereas the control group exhibited asymmetric responses favoring the non-dominant limb. EG demonstrated superior functional gains: push-up repetitions increased 4.15 +/- 1.77 versus 2.17 +/- 1.27 in CG (adjusted difference = 3.21 repetitions, 95% CI [1.52, 4.90], p = 0.001, d = 1.31), while explosive power improved 0.32 +/- 0.09 m versus 0.10 +/- 0.06 m (adjusted difference = 0.35 m, 95% CI [0.25, 0.45], p < 0.001, d = 1.20). Range of motion remained unchanged across groups (all p > 0.65). Conclusions: Eccentric isokinetic strengthening confers substantial advantages over passive motion protocols for restoring upper-body muscular endurance and ballistic force production in swimmers with lateral epicondylitis, supporting its integration into rehabilitation frameworks for the management of tendinopathy.

Dergi

MEDICINA-LITHUANIA

Yıl

2026

Cilt

62

Sayı

3

ISSN

1010-660X

eISSN

1648-9144

DOI

10.3390/medicina62030494

WoS UID

WOS:001727123100001