Treatment Time-frame Guideline for Dry Needling in the Lower Limb

Institute of Technology, Carlow28 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluates the impact of treating myofascial trigger points with a single session of dry needling on maximal isometric strength in the short term. Two groups will receive dry needling in separate muscle groups and a third group will receive no dry needling.

Dry needling is a effective treatment for myofascial trigger points. It is very common in a sporting environment. Strength is a key aspect of athletic performance. Despite the prevalence of dry needling within a sporting environment, the effects of dry needling on strength remains unknown. This study will investigate the effects of dry needling on maximal isometric strength with a view to informing clinical practice amongst clinicians working in the elite sport setting.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Trigger Points

Interventions

Dry needlingPROCEDURE

Dry needling is an invasive procedure involving inserting acupuncture needles directly into trigger points within muscles. The needle is partially withdrawn and re-inserted repeatedly to maximally stimulate the muscle and it's fibers.

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Must have latent trigger points in their rectus femoris and gluteus maximus Exclusion Criteria: * Active trigger points in rectus femoris or gluteus maximus * Participants with current injuries * History of fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome * History of blood disorder which prevents dry needling * Needle phobia * History of surgery in the last 6 months

Locations (1)

Institute of Technology Carlow

Carlow, Leinster, Ireland

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Isometric peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull

Measured in newtons. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar. Peak force is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

Isometric peak rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

Measured in newtons per second squared. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force. It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

Relative isometric peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull

Measured in newtons per kg body weight. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by two thirds the participants body weight. Peak force is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

Relative isometric peak rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

Measured in newtons per second squared per kg. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force divided by two thirds the participants body weight. It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

Normalised isometric peak rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

Measured in newtons per second squared and expressed relative to each participant peak force. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force divided by the peak vertical ground reaction force produced during the trial. It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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