influence of forward head correction on thoracic outlet syndrome

Research Abstract

Forward head posture (FHP) is one of the most causal factors of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of forward head correction on anterior head translation (AHT) distance, radiological shoulder balance parameters and pain severity in TOS. Subjects: Thirty patients aged from 20-40 years with mean (28.13±4.7) from both sexes divided into two groups with equal numbers. Material: Both groups received stretching exercises for pectoral muscles, scalene, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and upper trapezius muscles, and strengthening exercises for scapular retractor and cervical retractor muscles 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, in addition to ambulatory head weighting on motorized treadmill with speed 2-3 mile per hour for 20 minutes for study group 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. X-ray and visual analogue scale (VAS) were taken at two intervals pre-treatment and post-treatment. Results: There was significant difference between both groups post treatment in AHT distance (P=0.03), VAS (P<0.0001), and radiological shoulder balance parameters in terms of coracoid process height CPH (P=0.0009), clavicle angle CA (P=0.002), T1 (tilt) angle (P=0.0007), and clavicle rib cage intersect CRCI (P=0.049), For the study group, there was significant difference in all previous variables (P<0.0001), While for the control group, there was significant difference in AHT distance (P=0.0001), and VAS (P=0.0003), there was no significant difference in shoulder balance parameters. Conclusion: Ambulatory head weighting is considered as an effective structural rehabilitation method that correct FHP, shoulder imbalance, and decrease pain in TOS

Research Keywords

Thoracic outlet syndrome, Forward head posture, Radiological shoulder balance parameters, Ambulatory head weighting