Prevalence of Lateral Epicondylitis in Carpenters; Its Impact on Their Functional Activities of Upper Limb

Asma Niaz; Rahat Ayub; Rabia Munawar; Aqsa Waheed; Anam Abbas

doi:10.61919/j71fde03

Authors

Asma Niaz University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Rahat Ayub Assistant Professor, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Rabia Munawar University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Aqsa Waheed University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Anam Abbas Lecturer, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/j71fde03

Keywords:

Carpenters; lateral epicondylitis; occupational musculoskeletal disorders; PRTEE; tennis elbow; upper-limb function

Abstract

Background: Carpenters perform repetitive and forceful upper-limb activities that may increase the risk of lateral epicondylitis and associated functional limitation. Objective: To determine the prevalence of lateral epicondylitis among carpenters and evaluate its impact on pain and upper-limb functional activities. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 126 male carpenters aged 18–58 years recruited through convenience sampling from major furniture markets in Lahore, Pakistan. Lateral epicondylitis was assessed using Cozen’s test, pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale, and functional disability using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Associations of working experience and smoking status with Cozen’s test results were examined using chi-square tests. Results: Twenty-four carpenters had a positive Cozen’s test, giving a prevalence of 19.0% (95% CI: 13.1%–26.8%). Most participants reported no pain (77.8%), and 76.2% had a PRTEE score of zero. Positive-test prevalence was highest among participants with 21–30 years of experience (27.3%), but working experience was not significantly associated with lateral epicondylitis (χ² = 2.281, p = 0.684). Smoking was also not significantly associated with the condition (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.26–1.68; p = 0.380). Conclusion: Lateral epicondylitis affected approximately one-fifth of the surveyed carpenters, although most participants had minimal pain and functional limitation. Occupational screening and ergonomic risk reduction may be beneficial

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