Development and testing of a low-cost wrist-elbow rehabilitation device

Lateral epicondylalgia (LE), commonly known as tennis elbow, is an upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder that affects 1-3% of the general population. Despite the prevalence and persistence, specific diagnoses and a preferred treatment approach remain in question. Eccentric wrist extension therapy has recently shown promise in rehabilitation of LE. A device has been developed to assist in future research of eccentric therapy protocols. This device is capable of simulating conventional eccentric loading methods while offering additional functionality and features. A motion capture and surface electromyography study has been conducted to evaluate the ability of the device to supply comparable stimuli to three conventional loading methods. Study results indicate the developed device is capable of producing similar wrist kinematics and forearm extensor muscle potential to all three conventional methods. Wrist motion during wrist extensions shows some differences though not statistically significant. The similar wrist kinematics and forearm extensor muscle electromyography produced while using the device support the need for further studies and development of the device's relevance in rehabilitation of LE.