Comparing The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) When Coupled With Dry Needling (DN), Acupuncture (AN) or Sham Needling (SN) on Knee Range of Motion (ROM), Jump Height and Unipedal Balance

Overview

Muscle tightness was found to increase injury risks. Muscle relaese techniques and needling were known to reduce muscle tightness, their specific influence on functional muscle performance remains inconclusive. We hypothesized that (1) combining needling modalities with muscle release techniques (PNF) would significantly improve range of motion, unipedal balance, and jump height compared to a sham intervention; and (2) the specific combination of dry needling and PNF would demonstrate superior functional progression compared to the acupuncture and PNF protocol over a 5-week timeframe.

Active men with confirmed hamstring and quadriceps tightness in both legs were included. Unipedal balance and jump height were evaluated using Kinetisense®. Subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Group1: Dry needling; Group2: Acupuncture and Group3: Sham needling. All subjects also received PNF application after needling modality. Each participant received 1 session per week for 5 weeks.

Conditions