Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity and Functional Ability

NCT ID: NCT06856473

Last Updated: 2025-09-17

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 48 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-02-20
• Study Completion Date: 2025-08-20

Brief Summary

This study investigates the effects of dry needling on spasticity and its impact on functional ability in individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the research evaluates changes in muscle tone, mobility, and overall motor performance following dry needling intervention. The findings aim to provide evidence on the clinical benefits of dry needling as a therapeutic approach for improving movement efficiency and functional outcomes in patients with spasticity.

Detailed Description

Spasticity is a common impairment in individuals with neuromuscular disorders, often leading to limitations in movement, balance, and overall functional performance. Dry needling has emerged as a promising intervention for managing spasticity by targeting hyperactive muscle fibers and reducing abnormal muscle tone. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects of dry needling on muscle spasticity and functional ability using standardized clinical measures.

Participants will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to quantify changes in muscle tone, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to evaluate mobility and balance, and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) to assess functional motor skills. The intervention will focus on specific muscle groups affected by spasticity.

By analyzing the relationship between changes in spasticity and functional mobility, this study seeks to determine whether dry needling contributes to measurable improvements in movement efficiency, postural control, and daily functional activities. The findings will provide valuable insights into the role of dry needling as an adjunct therapy in rehabilitation programs, supporting its integration into clinical practice for individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Traditional physical therapy Group

Traditional physical therapy program based on neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) (3 sessions per week, each lasting 1 hour).

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Traditional Physical Therapy

Intervention Type: OTHER

Traditional Physical Therapy based on neurodevelopmental technique

Dry needling Group

traditional physical therapy program based on neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) (3 sessions per week, each lasting 1 hour), in addition to dry needling for the spastic calf and adductor muscles.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Traditional Physical Therapy

Intervention Type: OTHER

Traditional Physical Therapy based on neurodevelopmental technique

Dry Needling

Intervention Type: OTHER

Dry Needling in addition to the same traditional physical therapy program

Interventions

Traditional Physical Therapy

Traditional Physical Therapy based on neurodevelopmental technique

Intervention Type: OTHER

Dry Needling

Dry Needling in addition to the same traditional physical therapy program

Intervention Type: OTHER

Other Intervention Names

Conventional physical therapy; Study group

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Hypertonia score 2 according to MAS
• Able to understand and follow instructions
• Able to stand and walk independantly

Exclusion Criteria

• Participants with neurological conditions that involve significant cognitive deficits or severe uncontrolled epilepsy
• Participants who have undergone surgical procedures within the last 3 months

• Minimum Eligible Age: 6 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Batterjee Medical College

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Mohamed A. Abdel Ghafar

Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

BMC

Jeddah, , Saudi Arabia

Countries

Saudi Arabia

Other Identifiers

BMCDryNeedle

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id