ROLE OF THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES IN NEUROGENIC THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Authors

  • Saquib Hanif
  • Noreen Tassadaq
  • M. Farooq Azam Rathore
  • Pervaiz Rashid
  • Nadeem Ahmed
  • Farooq Niazi

Abstract

Background: Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a set of signs and symptoms
existing due to compression of brachial plexus in the cervical area. We performed the study to
highlight the role of therapeutic exercises on patients with neurogenic thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of
Rehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi. Fifty consecutive patients of neurogenic TOS of
both genders and all ages were selected. Patients were diagnosed clinically and the diagnosis was
confirmed by electrodiagnosis. These patients were asked to follow a therapeutic exercises
program for 6 months. Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Ulnar
Nerve Conduction Velocity across neck. Results were compared by applying relevant tests of
significance on follow up visits at 3 and 6 months. Results: Mean age was 39.1±7.79 years.
Thirty seven (74%) cases were females and thirteen (26%) were males. On each visit, statistical
analysis showed significant improvement with therapeutic exercises. After 6 months of
conservative treatment, 17 (34%) of patients showed full recovery, 14 (28%) had marked
improvement, 16 (32%) had partial improvement while 3 (6%) patients reported with persistent
severe symptoms. Conclusion: Current study shows that a trial of therapeutic exercises provides
relief of symptoms of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in majority of patients.
Key Words: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, entrapment syndromes, Electrodiagnosis, Therapeutic
Exercises, Rehabilitation

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How to Cite

Hanif, S., Tassadaq, N., Rathore, M. F. A., Rashid, P., Ahmed, N., & Niazi, F. (2007). ROLE OF THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES IN NEUROGENIC THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 19(4), 85–88. Retrieved from https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/5068

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 4 (2007): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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