Efficacy of Protocol Based Integrated Management of Chronic Sports Injuries W.S.R to Elbow Joint: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Owing to inadequate training, falls, overuse of specific body parts, and other factors, athletes are vulnerable to a variety of injuries. Sports injuries are linked to the signs and symptoms of Bhagna, Sadyo vrana, Sandhimoksha, and Marm-abhighata. Among these, injuries to the elbow joint have been linked to Koorpara marmabhigata. Sports injuries can be prevented and treated more effectively when complementary and alternative medicine is used.Objectives: To compare the efficacy of an integrated management protocol with standard treatment care in the management of chronic sports injuries with respect to the elbow joint.Materials and Methods: 30 subjects fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected randomly and recruited for the study. For 10 days, patients in group A were treated with an integrated approach and those in group B with a standard approach. Assessment of parameters like pain, swelling, range of motion of the joints, tenderness, manual muscle testing, muscle strength, and DASH scoring were done on the 0th day, 4th, 7th, and 11th day with standard parameters. Between-groups results were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test and the independent “t” test, while within-groups results were evaluated using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test and the dependent “t” test.Results: When the assessment parameters were statistically evaluated within the groups, it was found that both groups were significant from day 0 to day 11 with p-values less than 0.05. When the two groups’ outcomes were statistically compared, Group A (trial) outperformed Group B (standard).Conclusion: Integrated treatment approach and standard treatment were both found effective in all the parameters assessed at various time points. The integrated treatment approach showed more effectiveness when compared to the standard group in all the parameters assessed at various time points.

Keywords: Sports injuries; Elbow joint injuries; Agnikarma; Murivenna taila; Bala-arishta; Marmani gulika; Kinesio taping; Marma-abhighata.