Shoulder joint position sense in thoracic outlet syndrome

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to analyze joint position sense (JPS), and muscle strength & endurance in patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS).Methods. Eight patients with unilateral TOS and eight healthy controls participated. Pain, symptom duration, JPS, and strength&endurance were evaluated.Results. There was a difference in Absolute Error (AE) of the abduction at 70 degrees (p =0.02). There were differences in AE at 40 degrees (p =0.01) and 130 degrees (p =0.04) abduction between the affected side of patients and the dominant side of the healthy group. Additionally, the pain was related to poor Relative Error at 90 degrees abduction and AE at 130 degrees flexion (p = 0.01). There was no difference in strength and endurance of flexion (p > 0.05) and abduction (p > 0.05) to compare the affected and unaffected side of the patients with TOS. There were differences strength of flexion (at 60 degrees/sec; p = 0.05), strength of abduction (at 60 degrees/sec; p = 0.01), and endurance of abduction (at 180 degrees/sec; p = 0.05) to compare affected side of patients with TOS and healthy person.Conclusions. This study indicated that JPS was decreased at 40 degrees & 70 degrees & 130 degrees abduction, strength in flexion and abduction was also decreased. Proprioceptive and strengthening exercises should be considered to implement in patients with TOS.