Examining the relationship between extensor carpi radialis brevis pennation angle and grip strength. A cross-sectional study

Vivek K, Kamalakannan M, Hariharan J, Josyula Snigdha, Praveenkumar R, Priyanga Seemathan

Vivek K, Kamalakannan M, Hariharan J, Josyula Snigdha, Praveenkumar R, Priyanga Seemathan – Examining the relationship between extensor carpi radialis brevis pennation angle and grip strength. A cross-sectional study –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 217-221

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007D2P2D

Abstract
Background. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between the pennation angle of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB PA) and grip strength. Additionally, the study explored potential gender differences in ECRB PA and its association with grip strength.
Methods. A total of 155 healthy participants were recruited. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the ECRB PA, while grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between ECRB PA and grip strength.
Results. ECRB PA and common extensor tendon (CET) thickness correlated significantly with grip strength, showing gender-specific patterns. In males, ECRB PA had a moderate positive correlation with grip strength (r = 0.474), and CET thickness showed a strong correlation (r = 0.714), suggesting that both factors contribute to grip strength. In females, ECRB PA correlated moderately with grip strength (r = 0.585), while CET thickness showed a weak inverse correlation (r = –0.136). These findings suggest that CET thickness may indirectly reflect physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) and influence grip strength in males, whereas ECRB PA plays a more critical role in females.
Conclusion. This cross-sectional study provides evidence of a correlation between ECRB PA and grip strength in healthy individuals. The findings suggest that individuals with a larger ECRB PA may have reduced grip strength. Furthermore, the observed gender differences in ECRB PA could partially explain variations in grip strength between males and females. Further research is needed to validate these findings in clinical populations with wrist and hand pathologies.
Keywords
ECRB, pennation angle, grip strength, ultrasound imaging, Jamar dynamometer
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Dokładność diagnostyczna i przydatność kliniczna testu podnoszenia piłki lekarskiej (MBLT) w identyfikacji zaangażowania mięśnia prostownika promieniowego krótkiego nadgarstka (ECRB) w bocznym zapaleniu nadkłykcia

Vivek K, Kamalakannan M, Hariharan J, Priyanga Seemathan, Praveenkumar R

 

Vivek K, Kamalakannan M, Hariharan J, Priyanga Seemathan, Praveenkumar R – Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the medicine ball lift test (MBLT) for identifying extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) involvement in lateral epicondylitis –  Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(1); 192-197

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG007DM6NP

Abstract
Background. Lateral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions caused by tendinopathy of the common extensor tendon, primarily involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). Although different tests, such as Cozen’s, Mill’s, and Maudsley’s tests, are frequently used, none of them help identify the ECRB, which is the principal muscle involved in LE. This diagnostic accuracy study evaluates the newly developed medicine ball lift test, targeting the ECRB specifically, and its association with traditional diagnostic tests and musculoskeletal ultrasound. The study aims to validate the MBLT and measure its sensitivity, specificity, and ability to isolate ECRB involvement in lateral epicondylitis.
Methods. A prospective validation study involving 110 patients diagnosed with LE. The MBLT was performed on all participants, supplemented with Cozen’s test, Mill’s test, and Maudsley’s test, along with ultrasonographic analysis of musculoskeletal structures, including tendon thickness, echotexture, and other pathologic features. Sensitivity, specificity, and correlation with ultrasound findings were assessed.
Results. The AUC for various tests ranged widely. Cozen’s test showed an AUC of 0.495 (p = 0.948), with a sensitivity of 78.9% and specificity of 80.0%. Maudsley’s test exhibited an AUC of 0.562 (p = 0.460), with a sensitivity of 91.6% and specificity of 80.0%. Musculoskeletal ultrasound measurements for ECRB involvement, particularly tendon thickness, achieved an AUC of 0.739 (p = 0.001), with a sensitivity of 87.4% and specificity of 46.7%. In contrast, other parameters, such as echogenicity (AUC = 0.360, p = 0.054) and fluid presence (AUC = 0.486, p = 0.863), showed weaker correlations with LE diagnosis.
Conclusion. The medicine ball lift test holds promise in diagnosing lateral epicondylitis with specific ECRB involvement. The strong correlation it shows with ultrasonographic findings suggests that it may serve as an adjunct to musculoskeletal ultrasonography in diagnosing LE.
Key words
lateral epicondylitis, Maudsley’s test, medicine ball lift test, Mill’s test, MBLT
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