Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Conditions
Keywords
thoracic outlet syndrome, taping, strength, pain, hand dexterity
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping compared with sham taping in adults with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). The study aims to determine whether a single application of Kinesio Taping provides greater improvements in symptom severity, grip strength, and hand dexterity than sham taping. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a single application of Kinesio Taping reduce symptom severity and improve tolerance to the Roos test compared with sham taping? Does a single application of Kinesio Taping improve grip strength and hand dexterity compared with sham taping? Researchers will compare participants receiving Kinesio Taping with those receiving sham taping to determine whether the observed effects are attributable to the therapeutic application of Kinesio Taping rather than nonspecific or placebo effects. Participants will: * undergo baseline assessments of symptom severity during the Roos test, Roos test completion time, grip strength, and hand dexterity; * be randomly assigned to receive either Kinesio Taping or sham taping; * undergo immediate post-intervention assessments using the same outcome measures.
Detailed description
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a neurovascular entrapment disorder caused by compression of the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels at the thoracic outlet. Patients commonly experience pain, paresthesia, weakness, and reduced upper-extremity function, leading to impaired performance in daily activities. Conservative treatment is considered the first-line approach for most patients and typically includes postural correction, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and activity modification. Kinesio Taping (KT) is a non-invasive intervention that has been widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation to reduce pain, enhance proprioception, and improve functional performance. Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of KT in several peripheral nerve-related conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis with radial nerve involvement, and peripheral neuropathies. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness in patients with TOS remains limited. To date, only one randomized controlled trial has investigated the effects of KT in patients with TOS, demonstrating improvements in pain, paresthesia, disability, and quality of life. Nevertheless, the immediate effects of KT on objective motor performance outcomes, particularly grip strength and hand dexterity, have not been investigated. Since these outcomes are essential determinants of upper-extremity function and directly influence activities of daily living, addressing this knowledge gap may provide clinically relevant evidence for rehabilitation practice. This randomized, sham-controlled trial is designed to investigate the immediate effects of a single KT application on symptom severity, response to the Roos test, grip strength, and hand dexterity in patients with TOS. The findings are expected to clarify whether KT produces immediate functional benefits beyond placebo effects and to provide evidence for its role as an adjunctive intervention in the conservative management of TOS.
Interventions
DEVICEKinesio Taping
A single application of therapeutic Kinesio Taping will be performed according to a standardized protocol by an experienced physiotherapist.
OTHERsham taping- not therapeutic
A single application of sham taping will be performed according to a standardized protocol by an experienced physiotherapist.
Sponsors
Hacettepe University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly allocated using a computer-generated randomization sequence in a 1:1 ratio to either the Kinesio Taping group or the sham taping group. All outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline and immediately after the intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Clinical diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) confirmed by a thoracic surgeon. * Presence of symptoms consistent with TOS. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* History of fracture or surgery involving the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand that could affect upper-extremity function. * Neurological disorders affecting upper-extremity function (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy unrelated to TOS). * Other upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders that may influence grip strength or hand dexterity (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis). * Skin lesions, allergy to adhesive tape, or any dermatological condition preventing tape application. * Pregnancy. * Inability to perform the assessment procedures.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grip strength | Immediately before and immediately after the intervention | Grip strength will be measured using a Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. The change from baseline to immediately after the intervention will be compared between groups. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand dexterity | Baseline and immediately after taping | Hand dexterity will be assessed using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. The change from baseline to immediately after the intervention will be compared between the Kinesio Taping and sham taping groups. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTFERAY KARADEMİR, PhD
CONTACTTüzün Fırat, PhD
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORFERAY KARADEMİR, PhD
Cumhuriyet University
Outcome results
None listed