Evaluación de epicondilitis lateral en jugadores de pádel en Centros deportivos. Guayaquil, 2026.

Abstract

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis (LE)—commonly known as tennis elbow—is a musculoskeletal injury characterized by pain and tenderness on the lateral aspect of the elbow; it is frequently seen in individuals who perform repetitive wrist extension and gripping movements. In sports, particularly in disciplines like padel, this condition can cause pain, functional limitations, and reduced physical performance, thereby affecting players' quality of life and their ability to continue playing. Objective: To identify the presence of lateral epicondylitis in padel players from sports centers in Guayaquil. Materials and Methods: This study employed a quantitative, descriptive, and observational approach with a pre-experimental, cross-sectional, single-group, single-assessment design. The study population consisted of 156 players, with a sample of 38 selected via non-probabilistic sampling based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were evaluated using clinical tests (Cozen’s and Maudsley’s tests), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Daniels scale. Results: Among the sample of 38 players, 100% tested positive for lateral epicondylitis based on the administered clinical tests. Regarding pain, 41.38% of men and 33.33% of women reported moderate pain. Regarding muscle strength, 58.62% of men and 44.44% of women demonstrated a grade of 3/5, indicating fair strength. Conclusions: All 38 evaluated players presented with lateral epicondylitis. The results indicate a significant issue within this sport, suggesting that the high physical demands involved may contribute to the prevalence of this injury among players.