Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Chronic lateral epicondylitis is associated with lateral elbow pain, functional limitation, and reduced grip strength and may interfere with participation in racket sports. Plyometric exercise and Mulligan Mobilization with Movement (MMWM) address rehabilitation through different mechanisms, but comparative evidence in recreational racket-sports players is limited. Objective: To compare the effects of Plyometric Exercises and MMWM on pain, functional disability, and grip strength in recreational racket sports players with chronic lateral epicondylitis after four weeks of treatment. Methods: A quasi-experimental study included 62 eligible participants, of whom 60 completed the intervention and were included in the final analysis, with 30 participants in each group. Group A received progressive upper-limb Plyometric Exercises with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received MMWM with conventional physiotherapy. Treatment was provided for four weeks, three sessions per week, for 12 sessions. Pain, function, and grip strength were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and Hand-held Dynamometer, respectively. Assessments were performed at baseline and weekly through Week 4. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0 with Repeated Measures ANOVA and Independent Samples t-test. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvement in all outcomes (p < 0.001). At Week 4, NPRS was 1.30 ± 0.84 in Group A and 0.37 ± 0.56 in Group B (p < 0.001). PRTEE was 24.73 ± 1.86 in Group A and 38.03 ± 3.31 in Group B (p < 0.001). Grip strength was 40.10 ± 6.27 kg in Group A and 34.90 ± 6.84 kg in Group B (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Both interventions were effective. MMWM demonstrated greater improvement in pain, whereas Plyometric Exercises demonstrated greater improvement in functional ability and grip strength. The findings suggest that treatment selection may be guided by the principal rehabilitation goal. Keywords: Chronic lateral epicondylitis; tennis elbow; plyometric exercise; Mulligan mobilization with movement; pain; function; grip strength; racket sports.