Changes in Surface EMG Activity After Dry Needling Compared to Sham Needling (NCT03241134) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Changes in Surface EMG Activity After Dry Needling Compared to Sham Needling
Belgium48 participantsStarted 2017-08-28
Plain-language summary
An experimental study will be conducted to evaluate the effect of a single dry needling session, compared to a sham needling session, on surface EMG activity (signal amplitude and frequency) and pain of the upper trapezius muscle, in office workers with trapezius myalgia.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Performing office work since at least one year
* Performing computer based tasks for at least 20 hours a week
* NRS \> or equal to 3/10
* Clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia
* Trapezius myalgia is work-related and thus aggravates during working day/ week
* Presence of a trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle
Exclusion Criteria:
* Being in treatment during the study
* Traumatic injuries/surgery to neck and upper limb region
* Signs of cervical nerve root impingement
* Whiplash injury
* Cardiovascular, neurological, life threatening, systemic and metabolic diseases
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome
* Shoulder pathology
* Coagulation disorders
* Pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Changes in resting surface EMG activity (amplitude, RMS) of the upper trapezius after dry needling or sham needling as assessed by the EMG Noraxon 16k Telemyo Device: EMG Noraxon 16k Telemyo
Timeframe: Immediately after a typing task of 20 minutes, immediately after dry or sham needling, 15 minutes and 30 minutes after dry or sham needling