Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Mechanical Properties and Muscle Contractility in Latent Trigger… (NCT04466813) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Mechanical Properties and Muscle Contractility in Latent Trigger Points
Spain50 participantsStarted 2020-07-20
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether application of Dry Needling (DN) is effective for improved Muscle Mechanical Properties and Muscle Contractility in Latent Trigger Points point (LTrP) of upper trapezius. Randomized controlled trial, in parallel with cross-control design. Two groups with LTrP in upper trapezius, and will be randomly selected to DN group or Sham-Dn group.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 30 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:
* Age between 18 and 30 years
* The presence of LTrP in the middle third of the upper trapezius muscle on the dominant side
* Being able to provide written informed consent
* Being able to follow instructions and realize clinical tests
Exclusion Criteria:
* Any pharmacological therapeutic
* Any medical treatment or physical therapies at cervical region during the 6-month before this study - Any diagnosed health problem
* Any history of head and upper extremity surgery or trauma
* Any red flags to DN, (ie: metabolic diseases, pregnancy, kinesiophobia, Infection, cancer)
* Absence of recurrent history of neck pain
* No neck pain symptomatology the previous 6 months
* Cervical disk herniation
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.
1This trial studied dry needling on latent trigger points — points that are tight but not currently causing pain — so would dry needling even be appropriate for my situation if my trigger points are actively painful?
2The trial measured muscle stiffness and something called maximal radial displacement — can you explain what those measurements actually tell us about how well dry needling worked, and whether those improvements would translate to real relief for me?
3Since this study is already completed, has the data been published anywhere, and would you be able to review the results to see if the findings support trying dry needling as part of my treatment?
4Dry needling can sometimes cause temporary soreness or discomfort after the procedure — given my specific condition, do you think the potential benefits seen in this kind of research outweigh those short-term risks for me?
5Are there other treatments for myofascial trigger points, like physical therapy, massage, or trigger point injections, that have more established evidence behind them and might be worth trying before or instead of dry needling?
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
Change in Stiffness
Timeframe: Baseline, at 30 minutes after treatment, at 24 hours after treatment, at 72 hours after treatment
2
Change in Maximal Radial Displacement (Dm)
Timeframe: Baseline, at 30 minutes after treatment, at 24 hours after treatment, at 72 hours after treatment