Clinical Effects of Dry Needling Among Asymptomatic Individuals With Hamstring Tightness
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Emory University
- Enrollment
- 28
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in unilateral hop for distance test scores
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to find out if individuals with tight hamstring muscles who receive dry needling in addition to a standard stretching exercise program, show an improvement in hamstring tightness and function compared to individuals with tight hamstrings who receive either sham dry needling or no needling (blunt needle) in addition to a standard stretching program.
Detailed Description
Tightness of the hamstring muscles is a risk factor for injury. Currently, there is no data on the effect of dry needling on hamstring extensibility or functional performance measures among asymptomatic individuals with hamstring muscle tightness. The investigator wants to assess if individuals with tight hamstring muscles who receive dry needling in addition to a standard stretching exercise program, exhibit reduced hamstring tightness and improved functional performance compared to individuals with tight hamstrings who receive either sham dry needling or no needling (blunt needle) in addition to a standard stretching program.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- Double (Participant, Investigator)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •Hamstring 90/90 extensibility goniometric measurement of more than 20 degrees of knee flexion bilaterally
- •Ability to perform a squat to 90 degrees of knee flexion without assistance of the upper extremities
- •Asymptomatic during walking
Exclusion Criteria
- •History of systemic neurological or arthritic condition
- •History of bony or peripheral nerve trauma or surgery lower extremities
- •History of treatment with dry needling
- •No contraindications to dry needling
Arms & Interventions
Dry needling group
Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the muscle tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Intervention: Dry needling (Procedure)
Dry needling group
Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the muscle tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Intervention: Standard hamstring stretching exercise (Other)
Sham dry needling group
Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive sham dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the subcutaneous tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Intervention: Sham needling (Procedure)
Sham dry needling group
Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive sham dry needling to the hamstrings with the needle inserted into the subcutaneous tissue in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Intervention: Standard hamstring stretching exercise (Other)
No needling group
Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive no needling but have the tip of a blunt needle handle placed on the skin over the hamstrings in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Intervention: Blunt needle placement (Procedure)
No needling group
Subjects with tight hamstrings will receive no needling but have the tip of a blunt needle handle placed on the skin over the hamstrings in addition to a standard hamstring stretching exercise program.
Intervention: Standard hamstring stretching exercise (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in unilateral hop for distance test scores
Time Frame: Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline
The functional performance of the hamstring muscles will be assessed by using the unilateral hop for distance test. The subjects will be instructed to stand on the leg to be tested and hop and land on the same limb. The distance hopped, measured at the level of the great toe, will be measured (centimeters). Scores will be recorded as absolute distance (in centimeters). An increase in the score (distance covered) from baseline to 5 weeks from baseline indicates better functional performance of the hamstrings.
Change in crossover hop for distance tests scores
Time Frame: Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline
The functional performance of the hamstring muscles will be assessed by using the crossover hop for distance test. The subjects will be instructed to hop forward 3 times while alternately crossing over a marking. The total distance hopped forward will be recorded. The heel of the hop leg will be used to determine the length of the jump. Crossover hop limb symmetry index (LSI) scores for knee function within normal ranges are generally greater than 95%. An increase in the crossover hop limb symmetry index (LSI) from baseline to 5 weeks from baseline indicates better functional performance of the hamstrings.
Change in hamstring muscle extensibility
Time Frame: Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline
Bilateral 90/90 hamstring muscle extensibility passive range of motion (PROM) measurements will be assessed using a goniometer. The goniometer measures the angle of the joint at both extremes of the range of motion (ROM). An increase in the passive range of motion (PROM) indicates increased hamstring muscle extensibility.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in dynamometry pressure readings(Baseline, at 5 weeks from baseline)
Investigators
Marie Johanson
Assistant Professor
Emory University