CompletedNot Applicable

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

United States40 participantsStarted 2018-12-17

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 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: 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 …

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

The Degree of Change in the Strength of the Gluteus Medius Musculature Measured by a Hand Held Dynamometer

Timeframe: Strength measurements of the gluteus medius will be recorded prior to and immediately following the application of trigger point dry needling for both the control & intervention sides to determine if a significant change in muscle strength has occurred.

The Degree of Change in the Strength of the Gluteus Medius Musculature Measured by Surface Electromyography

Timeframe: Strength measurements of the gluteus medius will be recorded prior to & immediately following the application of trigger point dry needling for both the control and intervention sides to determine if a significant change in muscle strength has occurred.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03580200

SponsorEmily Slaven, PT, PhD

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-05-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Trigger Point trials