UQ tennis elbow study seeks volunteers

Nearly 100 people have already participated in a UQ clinical research study into tennis elbow, but researchers are still seeking more volunteers.

The multi-centre trial is currently investigating the effect of different combinations of injections and physiotherapy treatments for tennis elbow.

Chair in Sports Physiotherapy and Head of the Division of Physiotherapy at UQ Professor Bill Vicenzino said the common musculoskeletal condition presented as pain over the thumb side (outside) of the elbow.

"For example, it can occur in people who usually do office work and then either do a bout of gardening or renovations at home after hours," Professor Vicenzino said.

"The pain is noticeable when the patients use his or her hand to manipulate things for example, when shaking hands, lifting a tea cup or pot or even light, one-cup pots, lifting shopping bags, opening doors and pulling up pants.”

Study participant Ashley Wilkinson said the study allowed her to seek treatment for tennis elbow as well as learn of methods to prevent the condition reoccurring.

“I definitely noticed I wasn’t playing as much tennis due to tennis elbow,” Ms Wilkinson said.

If you have experienced pain on the outside of your elbow for more than six weeks, you may be eligible for a free assessment and treatment.

Sufferers will be required to attend a one-hour assessment at UQ's St Lucia campus to determine their suitability for the study.

People with no history of tennis elbow or other current neck or arm pain are also needed for a single assessment. Results of gripping and arm strength, pressure and temperature measurements will be provided to participants.

Assessments can be scheduled after hours with parking vouchers provided. Study treatments can also be arranged at one of 15 practice locations throughout Brisbane for convenience.

For more information and to register your interest in the study please call 3365 4692 or email tenniselbow@uq.edu.au