Article

Lateral epicondylosis (LE) is a common condition. Knowledge on practice patterns
underlies identification of knowledge to practice gaps.
The purpose was to
determine the practice patterns and beliefs of hand therapists in managing LE.
The study design used was a descriptive survey.
A survey of Certified Hand
Therapists and members of the American Society of Hand Therapists was conducted
(n=693). Questions were framed around frequency and perceived effectiveness of
interventions, examination techniques, outcome measures, and prognostic factors.
More than 80% of therapists use education/activity modification, home exercise,
LE orthoses, and stretching for both the acute and chronic LE. Therapists
perceive education, orthoses and home exercise are the most effective for acute
cases, whereas in chronic cases, orthoses dropped to ninth in ranked perceived
effectiveness. Grip strength (80%) and numeric pain rating (71%) were the most
commonly used outcome measures. Most (>70%) therapists perceived occupation and
duration of symptoms are prognostic in terms of resolution of symptoms, whereas
compliance with exercise (78%) and work factors are important for return to work.
Therapists rely on impairment measures to evaluate hand therapy outcomes in
patients with LE. Hand therapists are aligned with a number of recommendations
from the available systematic reviews, although the use of outcome measures and
optimal definition of education and exercise exhibit evidence to practice gaps.
Level of evidence: Level 5.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS