Study Results
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.
UNKNOWN
NA
60 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2022-08-15
2023-08-15
Brief Summary
Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.
One methodology used to quantify the pain in MPS is the algometry, which measures the pressure pain threshold (PPT).
Invasive techniques in physiotherapy have become popular in the last years due to their clinical efficacy and evidence. Percutaneous Microelectrolysis (MEP®) and dry needling are techniques that are already in use for this syndrome.
MEP® is a technique that employs a galvanic current up to 990 microAmperes, which is applied percutaneously with an acupuncture needle connected to the cathode. It is also known as low intensity percutaneous electrolysis.
The aim of this study is to compare the effects in pain and muscle tone (measured with algometry and surface electromyography) of invasive techniques. Healthy subjects between 18 to 48 years old, both sex, presenting MTrPs in upper trapezius will be recruited.
The secondary objectives are to determine the discomfort degree of each technique and if it is better to use MEP® with a fixed dose or with an algorithm in which the dose varies.
The hypothesis, according to our previous studies, is that MEP® generates higher changes in PPT.
Related Clinical Trials
Explore similar clinical trials based on study characteristics and research focus.
The Impact of Dry Needling on Electrophysiological and Ultrasound-based Biomarkers for Myofascial Pain
NCT07270276
Manual Therapy Treatment for Myofascial Pain
NCT01381380
Percutaneous Microelectrolysis on Myofascial Trigger Points Pain.
NCT03636386
Comparative Effect of MEP With or Without Current Emission in the Treatment of Cervical Pain in MTrPs of the Trapezius
NCT05524623
Immediate Stiffness Changes in Myofascial Trigger Points After Dry Needling
NCT04832074
Detailed Description
Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.
Conditions
See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.
Study Design
Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.
RANDOMIZED
PARALLEL
TREATMENT
DOUBLE
Study Groups
Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.
Dynamic dry needling
Dynamic dry needling will be done in the upper trapezius trigger point.
Dynamic dry needling
An acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm will be introduced perpendicularly into the upper trapezius trigger point. A movement with the needle will be done at 1 Hz for 120 seconds.
Fixed dose dynamic MEP
Dynamic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied in the upper trapezius trigger point with a fixed dose.
Fixed dose dynamic MEP
Cathodic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied through an acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm in the upper trapezius trigger point. A movement with the needle will be done at 1 Hz with an intensity of 600 micro-Amperes. If the patient refers discomfort, the procedure will be stopped and resumed totalling 120 seconds (total dose of 72 mC).
Static dry needling:
Static dry needling will be done in the upper trapezius trigger point.
Static Dry needling
An acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm will be introduced perpendicularly into the upper trapezius trigger point for 120 seconds.
Fixed dose static MEP
Static low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied in the upper trapezius trigger point with a fixed dose.
Fixed dose static MEP
Cathodic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied through an acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm in the upper trapezius trigger point. The therapy will be done statically with an intensity of 600 micro-Amperes. If the patient refers discomfort, the procedure will be stopped and resumed totalling 120 seconds (total dose of 72 mC).
Algorithm-based dose static MEP
Low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied in the upper trapezius trigger point with an algorithm-based dose.
Algorithm-based dose static MEP
Cathodic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied through an acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm in the upper trapezius trigger point. The therapy will be done statically, at 600 micro-Amperes. If the patient refers discomfort, the procedure will be stopped and resumed. Treatment will finish when the patient does not refer any discomfort for a period longer than 60 seconds. Total dose in mC will be registered.
Placebo
An acupuncture needle will be slightly introduced into the upper trapezius trigger point.
Placebo
An acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm will be introduced perpendicularly up to 3 mm deep into the upper trapezius trigger point for 120 seconds.
Interventions
Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.
Dynamic dry needling
An acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm will be introduced perpendicularly into the upper trapezius trigger point. A movement with the needle will be done at 1 Hz for 120 seconds.
Fixed dose dynamic MEP
Cathodic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied through an acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm in the upper trapezius trigger point. A movement with the needle will be done at 1 Hz with an intensity of 600 micro-Amperes. If the patient refers discomfort, the procedure will be stopped and resumed totalling 120 seconds (total dose of 72 mC).
Static Dry needling
An acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm will be introduced perpendicularly into the upper trapezius trigger point for 120 seconds.
Fixed dose static MEP
Cathodic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied through an acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm in the upper trapezius trigger point. The therapy will be done statically with an intensity of 600 micro-Amperes. If the patient refers discomfort, the procedure will be stopped and resumed totalling 120 seconds (total dose of 72 mC).
Algorithm-based dose static MEP
Cathodic low intensity percutaneous electrolysis will be applied through an acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm in the upper trapezius trigger point. The therapy will be done statically, at 600 micro-Amperes. If the patient refers discomfort, the procedure will be stopped and resumed. Treatment will finish when the patient does not refer any discomfort for a period longer than 60 seconds. Total dose in mC will be registered.
Placebo
An acupuncture needle of 0.3 x 25 mm will be introduced perpendicularly up to 3 mm deep into the upper trapezius trigger point for 120 seconds.
Eligibility Criteria
Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.
Inclusion Criteria
2. Presence of a palpable taut band in the upper trapezius
3. Presence of a hypersensitive tender spot in the taut band, with local or referred pain elicitation in response to compression
4. PPT less than 3 Kg/cm2
Exclusion Criteria
2. Phobia to needles.
3. Temporomandibular disorders.
4. Medicated with anticoagulants
5. Still receiving a treatment for the myofascial trigger points (Physical therapy, NSAIDs, etc.)
6. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
7. Radiculopathies and/or radicular pain
8. Whiplash related neck pain
9. Migraines
10. Dizziness
11. Endocrinal diseases
12. Being pregnant
13. Cancer
18 Years
48 Years
ALL
Yes
Sponsors
Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.
Maimonides University
OTHER
Responsible Party
Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.
Oscar Ronzio
Head of Physiotherapy program
Locations
Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.
Universidad Maimónides
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D., Argentina
Countries
Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.
Central Contacts
Reach out to these primary contacts for questions about participation or study logistics.
Facility Contacts
Find local site contact details for specific facilities participating in the trial.
References
Explore related publications, articles, or registry entries linked to this study.
Girasol CE, Duran NE, D'Almeida SM, Ronzio OA. Toward an algorithm of percutaneous microelectrolysis: a randomized clinical trial on invasive techniques. Sao Paulo Med J. 2025 Aug 11;143(5):e2024164. doi: 10.1590/1516-3180.2024.0164.R1.07032025. eCollection 2025.
Other Identifiers
Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.
863
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
More Related Trials
Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.