The Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Stiffness, Gait, Motion, and Strength in Healthy Individuals With Trigger Points

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study would be the first study to assess the immediate effects of dry needling of latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle on muscle stiffness, gait, range of motion, and strength. The study has the potential to demonstrate that dry needling may have immediate effects on mechanical properties of muscle and may thus guide future treatment for individuals with changes in muscle tissue secondary to pain and/or injury.

Detailed Description
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Participants will complete the following tests: muscle stiffness testing in both a relaxed and contracted position, GAITRite for spatial and temporal gait characteristics, the Ankle Lunge Test (ALT) to assess range of motion, and calf strength using a dynamometer. Subjects will then receive treatment according to which group they are randomized. Muscle stiffness, gait, motion and strength will be reassessed immediately following treatment at the first session. Four to10 days later, participants will complete the same tests and measures prior to treatment being administered a second time. Another 4-10 days after the second session, participants will complete the tests and measures one final time.

Official Title
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The Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Stiffness, Gait, Motion, and Strength in Healthy Individuals With Latent Trigger Points

Conditions
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Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Dry Needling
* Other: Sham Dry Needlling


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-50 years Able to read and speak sufficient English to complete consent form Symmetrical gait pattern demonstrated through observation Presence of latent trigger point in gastrocnemius muscle Exclusion Criteria: Any prior foot/ankle surgery, deformity, or injury on the which would affect strength of the gastrocnemius Any prior acupuncture or dry needling within the past month History of systemic disorder in which dry needling would be contraindicated (i.e. bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication use) Have fractures of the spine, hip, or knee that would likely affect their weight bearing or gait Restrictions in plantar flexion range of motion which would inhibit performing a heel raise No specific calf injury in the past 6 months Participants known or thought to be pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Prospective randomized controlled trial
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Dry Needling Group<br>Individuals in the DN arm will receive two treatment sessions of DN to latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle. | Other: Dry Needling<br>* Individuals randomized to the Dry Needling Group will receive dry needling to latent trigger points of the gastrocnemius muscle<br>|
| Sham Comparator: Control Group<br>Individuals in the control group will receive two treatment sessions of sham dry needling. | Other: Sham Dry Needlling<br>* Individuals randomized to the Control group will receive sham needling to the gastrocnemius muscle<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MyotonPRO | Muscle stiffness will be measured in both a resting and contracted state utilizing this non-invasive device | 2 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Knee to wall | Group by time differences will be assessed for talocrural motion (knee to wall) | 2 years | 
| GAITRite | Group by time differences will be assessed for gait variables (utilizing the GAITRite 6-meter mat) | 2 years | 
| Handheld dynamometer | Group by time differences will be assessed for strength of the gastrosoleus complex (utilizing a handheld dynamometer) | 2 years |