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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07351331

Intratissue Electrolysis (EPI) is Effective in Deactivating Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs). (EPIEMG)

Invasive physiotherapy techniques, such as Intratissue Percutaneous Electroly-sis (IPE), have numerous beneficial effects depending on the pathology being treated, in-cluding the deactivation of myofascial trigger points (MTP) caused by myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

The objectives are (1) evaluate the effectiveness of low intesity IPE treatment com-pared to DN on the shortening of FHB in patients with MPS, in 4 and 12 weeks evaluation, (2) assess the distribution of plantar pressures after the interventions and (3) evaluate the modification of FHB activation following the interventions.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad Camilo José Cela

Madrid, Spain

About this study

Patients are divided into two intervention groups (IPE; n=18) and (DN; n=22). Before the intervention, variables of mean and maximum pressure are measured in all patients using a pressure platform, and neuromuscular activity is assessed through surface electromy-ography (sEMG). These measures are repeated at 4- and 12-weeks post-intervention. The results show efficacy in both techniques, with significant differences at both 4 weeks and 12 weeks in favor of the IPE group, both in plantar pressure distribution and muscular activity.

The first measurement (week of November 25, 2024) is considered the baseline measurement since the subjects had not been previously intervened. Therefore, the measurement is first performed using the pressure platform and sEMG, followed by the intervention of DN or IPE based on the group to which the subjects were previously as-signed.

At week 4 from the first measurement (week of December 23, 2024), the second data collection is conducted, using the same procedure as in the first measurement.

At week 12 from the initial measurement (week of February 17, 2025), the third data collection takes place using the same procedure as the previous two, with the difference that in this final measurement there will be no intervention of DN or IPE.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • subjects with ages between 18 and 65 years,
  • hypersensitive spot within a taut band in FHB muscle.
  • pain upon stimulation of the MTP.
  • painful limit to the full range of motion

Exclusion criteria

  • subjets who had bilateral LTP present.
  • who have had a lower limb injury or surgery within the last 6 months.
  • subjectss with active pathologies at the time of measurement in the lower limb.
  • subjectss with cognitive impairment.
  • subjectss with belonephobia or contraindications for the use of needles (oral anticoagulant therapy).

Treatment and study plan

Intratissue Percutaneous Electroly

Other

Three interventions were performed, the first in the initial week, after pressure and sEMG measurements, the second in week 4, and the third in week 12.

dry needling

Other

Three interventions were performed, the first in the initial week, after pressure and sEMG measurements, the second in week 4, and the third in week 12.

Primary outcomes

  1. mean pressures (MP)

    Time frame: It was measured at the start of the protocol in week 1, in week 4 and in week 12.

    it is the average value of the pressure measured on a pressure platform, representing the general distribution of force per unit area across a surface (g/cm²)

  2. maximum pressures (PMáx)

    Time frame: It was measured at the start of the protocol in week 1, in week 4 and in week 12.

    it is the highest pressure value recorded on the pressure platform, indicating the point of greatest concentration of force per unit area on the evaluated surface.(g/cm²)

  3. maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)

    Time frame: It was measured at the start of the protocol in week 1, in week 4 and in week 12.

    The muscular activation is analyzed during 3 sets of 5 seconds of isometric contraction, against the resistance of the examiner's hand

  4. dynamic muscular activation of the FHB

    Time frame: It was measured at the start of the protocol in week 1, in week 4 and in week 12.

    The subject's position is a protocol that has been previously explained to ensure correct measurement. The subject must walk for 20 seconds

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Camilo Jose Cela University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis in the Shortening of the Flexor Hallucis Brevis Caused by Myofascial Pain Syndrome. A Pre-post Study.

Acronym: EPIEMG

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 20, 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.

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