Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07474948

Effects of Dry Needling the Calf Muscles on Biomechanics and Muscle Function in Individuals With Restricted Dorsiflexion

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the acute effects of dry needling the soleus muscle in individuals with limited ankle mobility

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Ankle Stiffness

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio, 45440, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals must present with decreased dorsiflexion measurement during screening of 35° or less unilaterally or bilaterally based on the weight bearing lunge test

Exclusion criteria

  • Current and/or historical lower extremity injury or surgery within the last six months
  • Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that could impact balance or normal lower extremity function
  • Extreme phobia of needles
  • On blood thinners
  • Chance of pregnancy
  • Known problems with immune system,
  • Presence of diseases or infections that can be spread through bodily fluids

Treatment and study plan

dry needling

Procedure

Dry needling to the soleus muscle

Primary outcomes

  1. Peak ankle dorsiflexion

    Time frame: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

    The maximum amount of ankle forward bending during the movement. Measured in degrees using both inclinometry and motion capture-based relative segment angles in 3D..

  2. Peak ground reaction force

    Time frame: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

    The maximum amount of propulsive force measured by a 3D force platform during the movement. Measured in Newtons.

  3. Peak muscle activation

    Time frame: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

    The maximum amount of electrical excitation of the soleus muscle during the movement. Measured in mV using surface electromyography.

  4. Tissue stiffness

    Time frame: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

    A measure of the tissue compliance or stiffness of the soleus muscle. Measured in kPa using ultrasound-based shear wave elastography.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Dayton

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Acute Effects of Dry Needling the Soleus on Lower Limb Biomechanics and Muscle Function in Individuals With Restricted Dorsiflexion

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2028
First posted
Mar 16, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 16, 2026

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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.