Hamstring Tightness
Condition: Hamstring Tightness
Study type: Interventional

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.
    

Intervention name(s): Dry needling; Sham needling; Blunt needle placement; Standard hamstring stretching exercise
Intervention type(s): Procedure; Procedure; Procedure; Other
Intervention description(s): Dry needling will be performed on two points over the hamstring muscles on the randomly determined side. Points 2 cm distal to the ischial tuberosity and halfway between the ischial tuberosity and popliteal crease within the medial and lateral muscle bellies will be identified and the skin cleansed with rubbing alcohol. A Seirin L- type 50 mm needle will be inserted into each of the two points to a depth no greater than three-quarters length of the needle into the hamstring muscle for 30 seconds using a vertical pistoning technique and then statically up to 10 minutes.; Sham dry needling will be performed on two points over the hamstring muscles on the randomly determined side. Points 2 cm distal to the ischial tuberosity and halfway between the ischial tuberosity and popliteal crease within the medial and lateral muscle bellies will be identified and the skin cleansed with rubbing alcohol. The plastic tube of a Seirin L- type 50 mm needle will be placed against the skin and the needle will be tapped once so that it is inserted subcutaneously no deeper than 5 mm for 30 seconds using a vertical pistoning technique and then statically up to 10 minutes in each location.; Blunt needle placement will be performed on two points over the hamstring muscles on the randomly determined side. Points 2 cm distal to the ischial tuberosity and halfway between the ischial tuberosity and popliteal crease within the medial and lateral muscle bellies will be identified and the skin cleansed with rubbing alcohol. A blunt needle handle is inserted into a plastic tube which will be placed over the identified points for 30 seconds and then for an additional 10 minutes each. The blunt needle handle only touches the skin without puncturing it.; Subjects will be instructed to stretch the back of their thighs, once a day for 3 repetitions, holding for 30 seconds each time performed bilaterally.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double (Participant, Investigator)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: Dry needling