Immediate Effects of Kinesio Taping on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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.

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.