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 symptomsexisting due to compression of brachial plexus in the cervical area. We performed the study tohighlight the role of therapeutic exercises on patients with neurogenic thoracic Outlet Syndrome.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out at Armed Forces Institute ofRehabilitation Medicine (AFIRM), Rawalpindi. Fifty consecutive patients of neurogenic TOS ofboth genders and all ages were selected. Patients were diagnosed clinically and the diagnosis wasconfirmed by electrodiagnosis. These patients were asked to follow a therapeutic exercisesprogram for 6 months. Outcome measures included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and UlnarNerve Conduction Velocity across neck. Results were compared by applying relevant tests ofsignificance 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, statisticalanalysis showed significant improvement with therapeutic exercises. After 6 months ofconservative treatment, 17 (34%) of patients showed full recovery, 14 (28%) had markedimprovement, 16 (32%) had partial improvement while 3 (6%) patients reported with persistentsevere symptoms. Conclusion: Current study shows that a trial of therapeutic exercises providesrelief of symptoms of Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in majority of patients.Key Words: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, entrapment syndromes, Electrodiagnosis, TherapeuticExercises, Rehabilitation

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Issue

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

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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