Effects of Dry Needling Using Spinal and Peripheral Sites Versus Peripheral Sites Only

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome; Plantar Fasciitis; Achilles Tendinitis
• Interventions: Procedure: Spinal and Peripheral Dry Needling; Procedure: Peripheral Dry Needling

• Registration Number: NCT02646579
• Lead Sponsor: Emory University

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if dry needling both low back and extremity areas is more effective for reducing pain and improving strength, balance and functional performance among patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions compared to dry needling of extremity areas only.

Detailed Description

This study will determine if spinal and peripheral dry needling sites results in decreased pain, increased muscle strength, increased proprioception and increased functional performance among individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremities, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Specific aims are to determine if individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremities receiving dry needling to both spinal and peripheral sites exhibit differences in pain, muscle strength, proprioception, and unilateral hop test scores compared to individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremities receiving dry needling to peripheral sites only.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2016-01-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-01-04
• Study First Posted: 2016-01-05
• Study Start: 2017-10-27
• Primary Completion: 2019-05-01
• Study Completion: 2019-05-01
• Status Verified: 2019-07
• Last Update Submitted: 2019-07-16
• Last Update Posted: 2019-07-18

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 34

Inclusion Criteria

• Unilateral chronic lower extremity musculoskeletal condition
• Ability to perform a unilateral one-quarter squat on involved side without pain
• Asymptomatic during walking

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Exclusion Criteria

• History of systemic neurological or arthritic condition
• History of bony or peripheral nerve trauma or surgery lower extremities
• No contraindications to dry needling
• Not currently receiving treatment for the chronic lower extremity musculoskeletal condition

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Spinal and Peripheral Dry Needling	Spinal and Peripheral Dry Needling	Participants will receive dry needling to the low back and painful areas in the leg.
Peripheral Dry Needling	Peripheral Dry Needling	Participants will receive dry needling to painful areas in the leg.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Pain Level assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)	Baseline, Visit 2 (Up to 7 days)	Pain level will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The pain VAS is a self-reported, single-item scale that ranks pain level from no pain to worst imaginable pain on a single scale line. Using a ruler, the score is determined by measuring the distance (mm) on the 10-cm line between the "no pain" anchor and the participant's mark, providing a range of scores from 0-100.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Single-limb Standing Balance Test Time	Baseline, Visit 2 (Up to 7 days)	Participants will attempt to balance themselves within a defined area on a single limb. The maximum amount of time will be calculated both with and without their eyes closed. The opposite leg must be out in front of the participant fully extended and will not be allowed to touch any part of the body. The test will be timed, up to two minutes, on each limb with two trials on either side.
Change in Muscle Strength of Knee Extensors/Flexors assessed using a dynamometer	Baseline, Visit 2 (Up to 7 days)	The strength of the knee extensors/flexors will be assessed using a dynamometer. The subjects will be asked to exert maximal force against the dynamometer and the reading is recorded. Scores are based on force production in kilograms or pounds; kilograms (0-90), pounds (0-200). Higher pressure scores indicate better muscle strength of the knee extensor/flexor muscles.
Change in Muscle Strength of Ankle Dorsiflexors/Platarflexors assessed using a dynamometer	Baseline, Visit 2 (Up to 7 days)	The strength of the ankle dorsiflexors/platarflexors will be assessed using a dynamometer. The subjects will be asked to exert maximal force against the dynamometer and the reading is recorded. Scores are based on force production in kilograms or pounds; kilograms (0-90), pounds (0-200). Higher pressure scores indicate better muscle strength of the ankle dorsiflexor/platarflexor muscles.
Change in Muscle Strength of Hip Abductors assessed using a dynamometer	Baseline, Visit 2 (Up to 7 days)	The strength of the hip abductors will be assessed using a dynamometer. The subjects will be asked to exert maximal force against the dynamometer and the reading is recorded. Scores are based on force production in kilograms or pounds; kilograms (0-90), pounds (0-200). Higher pressure scores indicate better muscle strength of the hip abductor muscles.
Change in Unilateral Hop Distance	Baseline, Visit 2 (Up to 7 days)	Participants will perform a single leg hop for distance with each lower extremity. After demonstration, each participant will be allowed 1 trial per leg. Beginning with the toes immediately behind the starting line, participants will perform one hop to complete a trial. The hop will be measured from the starting line to the end of the toes after completion of a trial. Each limb will be tested two times with the maximal distance scored for each limb. Scores will be recorded as absolute distance (in centimeters). An increase in the score (distance covered) from baseline visit to visit 2 indicates better functional performance of the muscles.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

The Emory Clinic; 🇺🇸 Atlanta, Georgia, United States