Introduction: Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a challenging problem for therapists, the conservative approach preferred for non-surgical treatment. Pain is the main symptom of this disease and patients for pain relief are in a situation that will have the least pain. These changes in body position affect the coordination of musculoskeletal system that followed by upper extremity pain and lake of function.The aim of this study were to evaluate The effect of 12-weeks Aerobic Exercises and Brachial Plexus gliding on pain and upper extremity function in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome patients with cervical Rib.
Methodology: In this clinical trial, 38 available patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome without acute symptomsa, in an average age of 29.5±7.32 years were randomly selected and assigned to the intervention(n=19) and control(n=19) groups. Evaluated function of patients with the disabilities of the arm, Shoulder and Hand questioner (DASH), cervical rib with x-ray and upper extremity pain was measured by visual analogue scale. aerobic exercises, within 12 weeks for both groups were applied, like running on a treadmill at 70 percent of maximal heart rate In addition, the intervention group did Brachial Plexus gliding. patients before intervention, after 6 and 12 weeks were evaluated. K2 test, independent t-test and repeated measure was used to analyze the results.
Results: There was significant difference in increase of function between the groups (p=0.005). Although in decrease of the pain between the groups was significant (p=0.008).
Discussion: Both the Aerobic Exercises and Brachial Plexus gliding decrease pain and improve function. However, in order to improve function and decrease the pain, the nerve gliding exercise are more effective than other one.