Shoulder joint position sense in thoracic outlet syndrome

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° (p = 0.02). There were differences in AE at 40° (p = 0.01) and 130° (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° abduction and AE at 130° 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°/sec; p = 0.05), strength of abduction (at 60°/sec; p = 0.01), and endurance of abduction (at 180°/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° & 70° & 130° abduction, strength in flexion and abduction was also decreased. Proprioceptive and strengthening exercises should be considered to implement in patients with TOS.