Effect of extracorporeal shock wave for tennis elbow: A protocol for systematic review of randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical studies have reported that extracorporeal shock wave (EPSW) is an effective treatment for patients with tennis elbow (TE). However, no systematic review has assessed its effectiveness and safety for the treatment of TE. METHODS: In this systematic review, we will search the potential eligible literature from the following electronic databases: Central, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and CNKI from inception to the present. All literatures of randomized controlled trials of EPSW for TE will be considered without language restrictions. Two reviewers will independently select the studies, extract the data, and evaluate the methodology quality. All disagreements between those 2 reviewers will be resolved by a third reviewer involved through discussion. Outcome data will be pooled by RevMan 5.3 software if the heterogeneity is reasonable. Reporting bias will also be conducted if more than 10 included studies can be reached. RESULTS: This systematic review will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of EPSW for TE. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will summarize the current evidence of EPSW on TE outcomes and may provide guidance for both clinical practice and further studies. DISSEMINATION AND ETHICS: This systematic review does not need ethical approval, because it does not utilize the individual patient data. Its findings are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019119687.