Effects of Deep Trigger Point Dry Needling on Strength Measurements of the Gluteus Medius Musculature

The purpose of this study will be to assess the effect that the application of deep trigger point dry needling to latent trigger points has on strength measurements. Specifically, the effect of deep trigger point dry needling on the strength measurements of the gluteus medius musculature immediately following intervention will be investigated. The author hypothesizes that there will be a significant difference in strength measurements of the gluteus medius musculature between the intervention and controls sides as well as within the intervention and control sides prior to and immediately following the application of deep trigger point dry needling. It is the authors' intention that clinicians may be able to apply the results of this study to generate a safe and effective treatment plan that can reduce the risk for trunk and lower extremity injuries within their patient population by reducing the number of latent trigger points within muscle tissue.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

Males and females will be included in the study if they are between the ages of 18 and 50 years and are currently asymptomatic at the time of screening and data collection. Asymptomatic will be defined as individuals who are currently experiencing no pain in their lumbar spine, sacroiliac region, pelvis, or bilateral lower extremities while at rest or with activity.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants will be excluded from the study if they have one of the following:

* Currently pregnant as self-reported by the participant
* Pain intensity greater than 0 out of 10 on the visual analogue scale in the lumbar spine, sacroiliac region, pelvis, and bilateral lower extremities at rest or with activity
* Positive Flexion Adduction Internal Rotation (FADIR) test on either the left or right hip. If the individual experiences a reproduction of his or her pain response with the FADIR test, which is overpressure into hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, he or she will be excluded from participation in the study
* Present with signs and symptoms consistent with hip osteoarthritis during clinical screening using the criteria proposed Altman et al. (1991) on either the left or right hip. Criteria is as follows: If an individual presents with pain in the hip joint with hip internal rotation that is measured to be less than 15 degrees as well as hip flexion that is measured to be less than or equal to 115 degrees, they will be excluded from participation in the study.
* Diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder that may affect the strength of their lower extremities, a chronic pain condition such as fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome, a connective tissue disorder such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or osteoarthritis of the hip joint
* History of hip dysplasia or Legg Calve Perthes disease

In order to continue within the study once the inclusion criteria has been met. Participants will be required to have at least 2 palpable latent trigger points in the gluteus medius muscle on the intervention sides. Individuals that do not have greater than 2 latent trigger points on the intervention side will not be allowed to continue with the study. Data already collected for these participants will be destroyed.