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NCT Number: NCT06856473

Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity and Functional Ability

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy (CP) Brain Damage, Chronic Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebral Palsy Muscle Hypertonia Muscle Spasticity Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

6 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

BMC

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Traditional Physical therapy

Other

Traditional Physical Therapy based on neurodevelopmental technique

Other names: Conventional physical therapy

dry needling

Other

Dry Needling in addition to the same traditional physical therapy program

Other names: Study group

Primary outcomes

  1. Modified Ashwarth Scale (MAS)

    Time frame: Week 12 after intervention completion

    The MAS measures spasticity on a 6-point ordinal scale from 0 to 4, with an additional 1+ category. Minimum Value (0): No increase in muscle tone (better outcome). Maximum Value (4): Affected part(s) rigid in flexion or extension (worse outcome). Higher scores indicate greater spasticity, representing a worse outcome.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)

    Time frame: Week 12 after intervention completion.

    The GMFM is scored on a 0 to 100% scale, reflecting the percentage of motor tasks successfully performed. Minimum Value (0%): No motor function achieved (worse outcome). Maximum Value (100%): Full achievement of all motor tasks (better outcome). Higher scores indicate better gross motor function and improved mobility.

  2. Time up and go test (TUG)

    Time frame: Week 12 after intervention completion

    The TUG test measures the time (in seconds) taken to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down. Minimum Value (lower time in seconds): Faster completion time indicates better mobility and functional performance. Maximum Value (higher time in seconds): Slower completion time indicates impaired mobility and a higher risk of falls (worse outcome).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Batterjee Medical College

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity and Functional Ability in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 4, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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