The Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Stiffness, Gait, Motion, and Strength in Healthy Individuals With Trigger Points

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

102 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2018-10-25

Study Completion Date

2020-01-21

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

This study would be the first study to assess the immediate effects of dry needling of latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle on muscle stiffness, gait, range of motion, and strength. The study has the potential to demonstrate that dry needling may have immediate effects on mechanical properties of muscle and may thus guide future treatment for individuals with changes in muscle tissue secondary to pain and/or injury.

Related Clinical Trials

Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.

Trigger Point Dry Needling Practice in Colorado: Practitioner and Patient

NCT04040218

Dry Needling Harm

COMPLETED NA

Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Mechanical Properties and Muscle Contractility in Latent Trigger Points

NCT04466813

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

COMPLETED NA

Effects on Neuromuscular Function After Dry Needling in Myofascial Trigger Points in the Gastrocnemius Muscles

NCT04851743

Myofascial Trigger Point Pain

COMPLETED NA

Effect of Dry Needling on Surface Electromyographic Activity in Latent Trigger Points

NCT04684784

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

COMPLETED NA

Dry Needling and Muscle Stiffness

NCT05538598

Muscle Tightness

WITHDRAWN NA

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Participants will complete the following tests: muscle stiffness testing in both a relaxed and contracted position, GAITRite for spatial and temporal gait characteristics, the Ankle Lunge Test (ALT) to assess range of motion, and calf strength using a dynamometer. Subjects will then receive treatment according to which group they are randomized. Muscle stiffness, gait, motion and strength will be reassessed immediately following treatment at the first session. Four to10 days later, participants will complete the same tests and measures prior to treatment being administered a second time. Another 4-10 days after the second session, participants will complete the tests and measures one final time.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

FACTORIAL

Prospective randomized controlled trial

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Participants will be blinded to group allocation. Participants in the control group will receive sham needling.

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Dry Needling Group

Individuals in the DN arm will receive two treatment sessions of DN to latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Dry Needling

Intervention Type OTHER

Individuals randomized to the Dry Needling Group will receive dry needling to latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle

Control Group

Individuals in the control group will receive two treatment sessions of sham dry needling.

Group Type SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham Dry Needlling

Intervention Type OTHER

Individuals randomized to the Control group will receive sham needling to the gastrocnemius muscle

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Dry Needling

Individuals randomized to the Dry Needling Group will receive dry needling to latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle

Intervention Type OTHER

Sham Dry Needlling

Individuals randomized to the Control group will receive sham needling to the gastrocnemius muscle

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18-50 years
2. Able to read and speak sufficient English to complete consent form
3. Symmetrical gait pattern demonstrated through observation
4. Presence of latent trigger point in gastrocnemius muscle

Exclusion Criteria

1. Any prior foot/ankle surgery, deformity, or injury on the which would affect strength of the gastrocnemius
2. Any prior acupuncture or dry needling within the past month
3. History of systemic disorder in which dry needling would be contraindicated (i.e. bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication use)
4. Have fractures of the spine, hip, or knee that would likely affect their weight bearing or gait
5. Restrictions in plantar flexion range of motion which would inhibit performing a heel raise
6. No specific calf injury in the past 6 months
7. Participants known or thought to be pregnant

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

50 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes