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. 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. 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. Current study shows that a trial of
therapeutic exercises provides relief of symptoms of
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in majority of
patients