Short-Term Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of dry needling on neuromuscular control in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during a single-leg vertical drop landing task. Participants in the intervention group will receive dry needling, while those in the control group will not receive any therapeutic intervention.

The main research question is:

• Can dry needling induce changes in muscle activation, co-contraction magnitude, and biomechanical parameters during landing?

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic of Porto

Porto, Portugal

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Successful return to recreational sports participation
For the experimental group, participants must present at least one active or latent trigger point in the vastus medialis (VM) and/or vastus lateralis (VL) muscles on the side ipsilateral to the ligament reconstruction.

Exclusion criteria

Peripheral or central neurological disorders
Systemic or degenerative diseases
Fibromyalgia
Iron deficiency
Hypothyroidism
Belonephobia
Contraindications to dry needling
History of dry needling treatment in the lower limbs

Treatment and study plan

dry needling

Procedure

The dry needling intervention will follow the fast-in and fast-out technique using disposable stainless-steel needles (0.35 × 40 mm). After insertion with a quick thrust, the needle will be manipulated in multiple directions to elicit at least one local twitch response (LTR). Once the first LTR is obtained, the needle will be moved vertically within a range of 3-5 mm, without rotation, until a total of three LTRs are elicited. The intervention is expected to last approximately 25-30 seconds.

Primary outcomes

Co-contraction Index

Time frame: Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and 10 minutes post-intervention

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Short-Term Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Jun 26, 2025
Registry last updated: Jun 26, 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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Completed