Association Between Racket Stiffness and Lateral Epicondylalgia in Tennis Players

NCT07406802 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: TENrig
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 207
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Background. Lateral epicondylalgia is common in tennis and is associated with pain and functional limitation. Although racket stiffness has been experimentally linked to vibration transmission, its clinical association with this condition in tennis players remains insufficiently studied. Objective. To evaluate the association between racket stiffness and the presence of lateral epicondylalgia in adult tennis players, and to examine the potential effect modification by sex and competitive level on this association. Methods. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design will be conducted. A total of 200 athletes will be recruited. The primary outcome will be the presence of lateral epicondylalgia within the previous 12 months. Functional severity will be assessed using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire. The main independent variable will be racket stiffness (RA/stiffness). Secondary variables will include string age, use of a vibration dampener, and exposure related to playing load and technique. Potential confounders will include sex, competitive level, age, anthropometric characteristics, smoking status, prior history of elbow pain, occupational ergonomics involving repetitive gripping (ISO 11228-3 criteria), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and racket characteristics. The prevalence of lateral epicondylalgia will be estimated, and multivariable logistic regression models will be used to assess the association between racket stiffness and lateral epicondylalgia, including interaction terms to evaluate effect modification by sex and competitive level. Expected results. To determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylalgia in adult tennis players and to identify the association between racket stiffness and the presence of this condition, as well as the potential modifying effects of sex and competitive level.

Conditions

Tennis Elbow

Keywords

Tennis Elbow; Sports Injuries; Equipment Design; Pain Measurement

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Measurement of Clinical of lateral epicondylalgia within the previous 12 months.

  Lateral epicondylalgia will be assessed using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) Questionnaire. This instrument evaluates pain and functional disability in individuals with lateral epicondylalgia. The questionnaire consists of 15 items. The total PRTEE score is transformed to a 0-100 scale, where 0 indicates no pain or disability and 100 represents the worst possible pain and functional impairment.

  Screening visit

Secondary Outcomes (11)

• Measurement of racket stiffness.

  Screening visit

• Measurement of string age.

  Screening visit

• Measurement of vibration dampener use

  Screening visit

• Measurement of load exposure and playing technique

  Screening visit

• Measurement of load exposure and technique.

  Screening visit

Other Outcomes (8)

• Measurement of gender

  Screening visit

• Measurement of competitive level

  Screening visit

• Measurement of age

  Screening visit

Study Arms (1)

Observacional group

Adult tennis players in whom the association between racket stiffness and the presence of lateral epicondylalgia will be evaluated, including an analysis of the potential effect modification by sex and competitive level on this association.

Other: Adult tennis players

Interventions

Adult tennis players OTHER

Adult tennis players in whom the association between racket stiffness and the presence of lateral epicondylalgia will be evaluated, including an analysis of the potential effect modification by sex and competitive level on this association.

Observacional group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 16 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult tennis players

You may qualify if:

• Tennis players aged 16 years or older.
• Regular tennis practice over the previous 12 months, defined as at least one weekly training or competition session.
• Habitual use of an adult tennis racket weighing more than 280 grams for training and competition for a minimum period of three months prior to data collection.

You may not qualify if:

• Players with a history of upper-limb surgery within the previous year.
• Athletes with a prior medical diagnosis of neurological or rheumatological disease that could affect the upper limb.
• Athletes who sustained an acute traumatic injury to the shoulder, elbow, or wrist within the six months preceding the study.
• Participants who fail to complete the study questionnaires correctly.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Oviedo: lead

Study Sites (1)

Universidad de Oviedo

Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33006, Spain

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Tennis Elbow; Athletic Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Elbow Tendinopathy; Tendinopathy; Muscular Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Elbow Injuries; Arm Injuries; Wounds and Injuries; Tendon Injuries

Study Officials

• Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso, PhD

  Universidad de Oviedo

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 5, 2026
• First Posted: February 12, 2026
• Study Start: February 13, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 11, 2026
• Last Updated: May 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

ES (1)