An interventional study of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, sponsored by A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 65 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-07-24.
Sponsored by A.T. Still University of Health Sciences · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The purpose of the study is to develop a protocol to assess blood flow in the upper limb vasculature before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) using Pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography (US). We will assess the subclavian artery and vein at two locations (above and below the clavicle) and the brachial artery and vein (within the axilla) to determine the reproducibility of the blood flow findings at each location and the impact of OMT on the blood flow. Additionally we will qualitatively assess morphological changes of the brachial plexus before and after OMT with US.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) includes a spectrum of symptoms caused by compression of neural or vascular structures in or near the superior thoracic aperture. TOS symptoms results when the subclavian vessels are obstructed or when the subclavian artery or vein, or brachial plexus are compressed by regional structures in or around the superior thoracic aperture causing numbness and tingling in the ipsilateral upper extremity.
OMT is a type of manual therapeutic approach used in the osteopathic profession that can be used to reduce symptoms in patients with TOS, but the underlying mechanisms of the treatment are unclear. Manual techniques, such as thoracic inlet myofascial release, can be used as part of a OMT approach to free local musculoskeletal restrictions around the brachial plexus and vasculature entering and exiting the upper extremity. The current evidence for the use of OMT in management of TOS is primarily limited to case studies.
More studies are required to determine whether OMT is effective and better understand why it might be effective. Currently, other treatments for TOS include physical therapy, trigger point injections, botulism injections, and acupuncture. Pharmacological treatments for TOS symptoms include muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anti-inflammatories such as NSAIDs and steroids, and anticoagulants-all of which have associated risks, contraindications, expenses, and side effects. Severe cases of TOS may require surgical decompression in the presence of severe symptoms that fail conservative treatments. OMT represents a quick conservative intervention that can be performed during an outpatient visit.
US is a noninvasive tool that can be used to evaluate blood flow in arteries and veins. In patients with TOS, US has shown significant changes in blood flow dynamics of the subclavian vessels. Significant changes were also seen in the subclavian artery blood flow during shoulder maneuvers (e.g. Adson's test, Wright's test, Elevated Arm Stress test, Roos test) that are used in the diagnostics of TOS. Therefore, it would be reasonable to use US to assess possible mechanisms by which OMT might reduce symptoms. Such information would allow physicians to understand how to use OMT techniques most effectively, either as an adjunct to other treatments, or as standalone therapy.
33 studies on the registry are indexed under Thoracic Outlet Syndrome; 11 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 14 is below the median of 50 across 17 interventional studies indexed under Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Browse Thoracic Outlet Syndrome studies →A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is the lead sponsor of 20 studies on the registry; 2 are open to participants now.
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Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
BMI (body mass index)
Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. Example: 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What counts as overweight or obesity differs between countries (some use lower cut-offs), so go by the range the study states.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
The OMT protocol is designed to target the somatic dysfunction associated with TOS.
Other: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
The OMT protocol is designed to target the somatic dysfunction associated with TOS. The somatic dysfunction associated with TOS include muscular hypertonicity of the anterior and middle scalene muscles, hypertonicity of the pectoralis muscles, and tension in the fascia of the supraclavicular area between the clavicle and first rib. The OMT protocol will consist of the following four techniques: Direct Thoracic Inlet Myofascial Release (TIMFR) - Reduce tension at the thoracic inlet fascia located between the thoracic outlet and the cervical spine. Direct Muscle Energy for the Scalene Muscles -Reduce tension within the scalene muscle group Direct Muscle Energy for the Pectoralis Muscles - Reduce tension within the pectoralis muscle group Supraclavicular Fascial Release - Reduce fascial tension within the supraclavicular fossa
Blood flow changes in the upper extremity.
Changes in blood flow to the upper extremity in participants who have been experiencing TOS symptoms.
Time frame: Pre and post osteopathic manipulative treatment on the day of treatment. Pre-measurement followed by 10 minutes of rest before OMT. Post-measurement made immediately following the OMT treatment.
Plan to share: No
Ran from Apr 2024 to primary completion in Apr 2024, 0 months.
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A.T. Still University of Health Sciences