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

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03689283

Run by

Regis University

People needed

102

Starts

2018-10-25

Expected to finish

2020-01-21

Last updated by the study team

2020-01-22

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

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

You may not qualify if…

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

Where it is running

• Regis University — Denver, Colorado, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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