Table 2 Characteristics of the four trials selected showing general intervention information

Gunduz

ESWT (pressure 1.4 bar, frequency 4.0 Hz, number 500) for ten sessions

Ultrasound therapy (1 W/cm², 5 min) and friction massage (5 min) for ten sessions

VAS, grip strength, pinch strength

Sealed numbered envelopes without strata

Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 11.5

Kubot

First phase: 2000 pulses with a wavelength of 8 Hz and a pressure of 1.5–2.5 bar; second: 2000 pulses at 8 Hz and 2.5–3.5 bar

First phase 3 min, a 5 cm² with 1 MHz, producing a wave of 0.5 W/cm²; second lasting 2 min, same as before

VAS, subjective pain, frequency f pain, use of analgesic drugs. Mobility limitation of the affected limb

Randomized by unspecific way

SPSS 24 program

Pawel

1000, 1500, and 2000 pulses, pressure, 2.5 bar; frequency, 8 Hz; energy density, 0.4 mJ/mm²

Intensity, 0.8 W/cm²; 100% fill; carrier frequency, 1 MHz. Ten treatments 3 times per week

VAS (rest, grip, palpation, Thomsen test, Chair test); overall outcome score

MedCalc statistical software

MedCalc statistical software version 15.2.1

Yalvac

10e15 Hz, 1.5e2.5 bar energy density, 2000 pulses, once a week for three sessions

1 cm² application area, at 1.5 W/cm², 1 MHz frequency, continuous mode in painful area, 5 min once a day, 5 days a week, for 10 sessions in total

VAS, grip strength evaluation, pressure-pain, DASH/quickDASH, short Form-36

Coin tossing method

Number Cruncher Statistical System (NCSS)

Soheir

Orthospec (Medispec LTD, Germantown, MD) portable ESWT device; single phase 60/50 Hz and 10/5A

Ultrasound device Phyaction 190 serial number 2745, 230 V, 300 mA/50–60 Hz, Pus: 8w. Continuous mode 1.5 w/cm, frequency 1 MHz

VAS at ease/work, grip strength, Chair test, Cozen test, tennis albow test

The use of computer-based 1:1 randomization scheme

Computer program SPSS 16