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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06448104

Virtual Reality in Invasive Techniques in Physiotherapy

Dry needling is a common physical therapy technique that uses solid acupuncture needles that are repeatedly inserted and removed into the human body. These techniques, despite their benefits, can cause pain. The objective of this study is to analyze the use of virtual reality as a distractor in invasive techniques in physiotherapy. The hypothesis is that the use of immersive virtual reality, evoking relaxation situations, will reduce the sensation of pain during and/or after the technique. To do this, healthy participants will be recruited and the participants will be divided into two groups (experimental and control). Participants in the experimental group will undergo the dry needling technique on latent myofascial trigger points along with the use of immersive virtual reality. The same technique will be performed on participants in the control group but without the use of virtual reality. Pain during and after puncture and strength after puncture will be evaluated.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia

Valencia, 46020, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Have at least one identifiable latent myofascial trigger point in the muscles studied

Exclusion criteria

  • Suffer any musculoskeletal or neural alteration that could alter the results obtained
  • Suffer from belonephobia or extreme and uncontrollable fear of sharp objects

Treatment and study plan

Dry needling and immersive virtual reality

Other

The study consists of two sessions, separated by a period of two weeks. In the first session, a dry needling procedure based on the Hong technique is performed on the main latent myofascial trigger point of the medial gastrocnemius, vastus medialis quadriceps or biceps femoris muscles.

The procedure will be carried out simultaneously with the use of immersive virtual reality distraction software, applied through MetaQuest 2 virtual reality glasses. This procedure consists of immersive visualization (video and sound images that represent scenes related to relaxation).

In the second session, the same procedure will be repeated, with the addition that the participants will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions (12RM intensity) of the plantar flexion exercises prior to performing the dry needling technique. of ankle, knee extension or knee flexion (depending on the muscle evaluated) with the aim of stimulating the area to be evaluated, simulating post-exercise fatigue.

dry needling

Other

The study consists of two sessions, separated by a period of two weeks. In the first session, a dry needling procedure based on the Hong technique is performed on the main latent myofascial trigger point of the medial gastrocnemius, vastus medialis quadriceps or biceps femoris muscles.

In the second session, the same procedure will be repeated, with the addition that the participants will perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions (12RM intensity) of the plantar flexion exercises prior to performing the dry needling technique. of ankle, knee extension or knee flexion (depending on the muscle evaluated) with the aim of stimulating the area to be evaluated, simulating post-exercise fatigue.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain during dry needling

    Time frame: Immediately after technique application in each session (two sessions separated by two weeks)

    Pain perception during dry needling technique measured using a numerical pain rating scale (0-10)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain after dry needling

    Time frame: Immediately after technique application; 30 minutes after technique application; 1 hour after technique application; 6 hours after technique application; 24 hours after technique application in each session (two sessions separated by two weeks)

    Pain after dry needling technique measured using a numerical pain rating scale (0-10)

  2. Pain pressure threshold

    Time frame: Before technique; Immediately after technique; 30 minutes after technique; 60 minutes after technique in each session (two sessions separated by two weeks)

    Pain pressure threshold measured using an algometer

  3. Strength

    Time frame: Before technique; Immediately after technique in each session (two sessions separated by two weeks)

    Strength measured using a hand-held dynamometer

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Valencia

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality as a Distraction Tool to Reduce Pain and Discomfort Associated With Dry Needling Application

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 7, 2024
Registry last updated
May 4, 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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