Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Motivational Interviewing to help people with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Official title: The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms in Patients With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Run by Hacettepe University · NCT07668206 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether adding motivational interviewing to a home exercise program helps reduce pain and improve arm function in adults with thoracic outlet syndrome.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment70 (estimated)
SponsorHacettepe University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2026
Main results expectedOctober 2027
Study endsOctober 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 18, 2026
Trial IDNCT07668206 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18–65 with a thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis and at least 6 months of pain, not having had surgery in the last 6 months.

Probably not a fit

Patients who do not respond to motivational approaches or who have exclusionary conditions may not experience added benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a single-center, randomized, assessor-blinded study comparing two groups in a 6-week program. One group does a standard home exercise program for TOS, and the other group does the same plus up to four motivational interviewing sessions. Outcomes are measured at baseline and after 6 weeks using questionnaires on pain, function, sleep, anxiety, and depression. A physiotherapist who does not know the group allocation conducts the assessments. The goal is to see if MI can enhance adherence and outcomes when added to a home exercise program, and whether psychological resilience predicts response.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience greater pain relief and improved arm function from a combination of MI and exercise.

How similar studies have gone: Research in related chronic pain conditions suggests behavioral support can enhance exercise adherence and outcomes, though this specific MI use in TOS is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome
* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Pain duration of more than 6 months
* No surgical intervention in the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Accompanying pathologies (cervical disc problems, fibromyalgia, rotator cuff problems, diabetes, neoplastic processes)
* Unwillingness to provide informed consent

Where it's running

  • Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
    Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Tüzün Fırat, Prof — Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Study coordinator: Şule Tüzen Tek, MSc, PT
  • Email: sule.tuzen@gmail.com
  • Phone: +905076370001

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.