AB0919 EFFECTS OF ALEXITHYMIA ON ACTIVITY PAIN, UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION, SYMPTOM AND DEPRESSION LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME
Authors: Yasin Tunç, Nur Banu Karaca, Tüzün Fırat, Ayten Kaya Cangır
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2019)

<h3>Background</h3> Presentation of the most common changes in the thoracic outlet syndrome causing functional disorders of the upper limb (1). The majority of the studies published on TOS highlight physiotherapy strengthening exercises and postural reducational drills as being the mainstay of any conservative management programme for TOS (2). However, in the literature, the effect of emotional state on progression in treatment programs has not been investigated. Alexithymia, which refers to deficiencies in the self-awareness of emotional states, has been reported to be associated with poor ability in various aspects of social cognition (3). The ability of TOS patients to express themselves and their emotions will affect the success of the treatment. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alexithymia on upper extremity functions, symptoms, pain level, depression and anxiety in patient with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. <h3>Methods</h3> Forty-three TOS patients (36.67±13.99 years; 38 women, 5 men) were enrolled to the study. Alexithymia was assessed with Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). The patients were divided into two groups as non-alexithymia group and alexithymia group according to 51 points TAS -20 cut-off score. Pain levels at rest and activity were assessed with visual analogue scale; upper extremity function was assessed with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and upper extremity symptom was assessed with using Servical Brachial Symptom Questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U test was used for data analyses. <h3>Results</h3> Activity pain level and depression in alexithymia group was higher than the non-alexithymia group, p=0,008 and p=0,007, respectively. Also, functional level and symptoms were worst in alexithymia paitents, p=0,041 and p=0,05, respectively. No difference was found between groups in anxiety and resting pain level (p&gt;0,05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Thoracic outlet syndrome patients who have alexithymia show worse pain, symptoms, function, and depression. Emotion should be considered in physiotherapy programs. Because the progression of alexithmia patients are worst than non-alexithmia patients. <h3>References</h3> [1] Laulan, J., Fouquet, B., Rodaix, C., Jauffret, P., Roquelaure, Y., &amp; Descatha, A. (2011). Thoracic outlet syndrome: definition, aetiological factors, diagnosis, management and occupational impact. Journal of occupational rehabilitation, 21(3), 366-373. [2] Watson, L. A., Pizzari, T.,Balster, S. (2010). Thoracic outlet syndrome part 2: conservative management of thoracic outlet. Manual therapy, 15(4), 305-314. [3] Moriguchi, Y., Ohnishi, T., Decety, J., Hirakata, M., Maeda, M., Matsuda, H., &amp; Komaki, G. (2009). The human mirror neuron system in a population with deficient self-awareness: An fMRI study in alexithymia. Human brain mapping, 30(7), 2063-2076. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None declared