Effects of Thoracic Extension Versus Thoracic Stabilization Exercises in Patients With Maigne's Thoracic Pain

Overview

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of thoracic extension versus thoracic stabilization exercises on pain, stiffness, range of motion, disability and posture in patients with Maigne's thoracic pain.This study will be a randomized clinical trial and 32 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. they will be allocated into 2 groups using non- probability purposive sampling technique. Group A will receive conventional treatment, myofascial release, thoracic spine mobilization with Thoracic Extension exercise program, while Group B will receive conventional treatment, myofascial release, thoracic spine mobilization with Thoracic Stabilization exercise program. Outcome measure: Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Goniometer, Thoracic Stiffness Index, Revised Oswestry Thoracic Pain Disability Questionnaire, standing thoracic X-ray and Flexi curve ruler, will measure pain, thoracic flexion and extension, Cobb's angle, kyphosis index, thoracic stiffness index and disability. Both groups will receive a total of 45 minutes session, thrice a week for 3 weeks. Measurements will be taken at the baseline, at the end of 3rd week and for long-term effects at the end of 6th week. Data will be analyzed by SPSS version 21.

Maigne's thoracic pain is a condition in which pain originates from the thoracic spine, but according to Maigne, in most cases, its origin lies in the lower three cervical segments. It is common among both men and women, but it is most common among women. Common symptoms of Maigne's thoracic pain are tenderness and stiffness of thoracic muscles, especially interscapular muscles. The most important and chief complaint reported by patients of this condition is unilateral and severe pain which increases with static sitting and with carrying or lifting heavyweight. Physical examination of tenderness on the interscapular region at the level of T5-T6, 1-2 cm lateral to the midline. Pressure reproduces the patient's pain. Several clinical trials have established therapeutic guidelines and protocols for the rehabilitation of hyperkyphosis. These trials have typically focused on the use of spinal bracing, therapeutic taping, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise for postural training. Studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of combination therapy of thoracic extension exercises with other therapeutic exercises. Similarly, many studies have been conducted on thoracic stabilization exercises for posture correction. It is quite difficult to judge which exercise is more effective than the other. Moreover, typically for the management of Maigne's Thoracic pain, the efficacy of therapeutic treatment is quite underexplored. The rationale of this study is that it will provide evidence that may improve treatment strategies for the management of Maigne's Thoracic pain, majorly focusing on the muscular component of the thoracic region.