Motivational Interviewing in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

This is a single‐center, non‐blinded (assessor‐blinded), parallel‐group study examiningthe effect of motivational interviewing (MI) as an adjunct to a standardized homeexercise program in patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Eligible participantsare randomly assigned using block randomization (block size of 4) to either theexperimental arm (home exercise plus MI) or the active comparator arm (home exercisealone). The randomization sequence is generated using an online randomization tool by anindividual not otherwise involved in the study, ensuring allocation concealment.MI sessions are structured around four core techniques: open‐ended questioning,affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing. Sessions proceed through engagement,agenda setting, evocation of change talk, and goal setting phases, using strategies suchas exploring ambivalence, decisional balance exercises, and scaling questions to assessmotivation and confidence for behavior change. Homework assignments tailored to eachparticipant's goals may include relaxation exercises, breath awareness training, andemotion regulation strategies in addition to the standard home exercise program.All outcome assessments are conducted by a physiotherapist who is blinded to groupallocation and not otherwise involved in delivering the interventions. Assessments takeplace at baseline (prior to initiation of the home exercise program) and at week 6.