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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04161105

Treatment Time-frame Guideline for Dry Needling in the Lower Limb

This study evaluates the impact of treating myofascial trigger points with a single session of dry needling on maximal isometric strength in the short term. Two groups will receive dry needling in separate muscle groups and a third group will receive no dry needling.

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Key information

Conditions

Trigger Points

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Institute of Technology Carlow

Carlow, Leinster, Ireland

About this study

Dry needling is a effective treatment for myofascial trigger points. It is very common in a sporting environment. Strength is a key aspect of athletic performance. Despite the prevalence of dry needling within a sporting environment, the effects of dry needling on strength remains unknown.

This study will investigate the effects of dry needling on maximal isometric strength with a view to informing clinical practice amongst clinicians working in the elite sport setting.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Must have latent trigger points in their rectus femoris and gluteus maximus

Exclusion criteria

  • Active trigger points in rectus femoris or gluteus maximus
  • Participants with current injuries
  • History of fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome
  • History of blood disorder which prevents dry needling
  • Needle phobia
  • History of surgery in the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

dry needling

Procedure

Dry needling is an invasive procedure involving inserting acupuncture needles directly into trigger points within muscles. The needle is partially withdrawn and re-inserted repeatedly to maximally stimulate the muscle and it's fibers.

Other names: Myofascial dry needling

Primary outcomes

  1. Isometric peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

    Measured in newtons. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar. Peak force is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

  2. Isometric peak rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

    Measured in newtons per second squared. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force. It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

  3. Relative isometric peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

    Measured in newtons per kg body weight. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by two thirds the participants body weight. Peak force is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

  4. Relative isometric peak rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

    Measured in newtons per second squared per kg. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force divided by two thirds the participants body weight. It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

  5. Normalised isometric peak rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

    Measured in newtons per second squared and expressed relative to each participant peak force. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force divided by the peak vertical ground reaction force produced during the trial. It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

  6. Isometric time interval rate of force development during the isometric mid-thigh pull

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 hours post intervention, 48 hours post intervention, 72 hours post intervention.

    Measured in newtons per second squared. It is the amount of force exerted by pulling against an immovable bar divided by the amount of time it takes to generate the force. With values expressed in specific time interval windows (0ms to 50ms, 0-100ms, 0-150ms, 0-200ms, 0-250ms) It is measured as vertical ground reaction by force platforms beneath the participants feet.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

South East Technological University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Treatment Time-frame Guidelines for Myofascial Dry Needling of Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in the Muscles of the Lower Limb Kinetic Chain.

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2019
First posted
Nov 13, 2019
Registry last updated
Feb 17, 2020

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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