Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of Dry Needling the Calf Muscles on Biomechanics and Muscle Function in Individuals With Restricted Dorsiflexion

United States40 participantsStarted 2026-02-23

Plain-language summary

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the acute effects of dry needling the soleus muscle in individuals with limited ankle mobility

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 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: * Individuals must present with decreased dorsiflexion measurement during screening of 35° or less unilaterally or bilaterally based on the weight bearing lunge test Exclusion Criteria: * Current and/or historical lower extremity injury or surgery within the last six months * Musculoskeletal or neurological disorders that could impact balance or normal lower extremity function * Extreme phobia of needles * On blood thinners * Chance of pregnancy * Known problems with immune system, * Presence of diseases or infections that can be spread through bodily fluids

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

Peak ankle dorsiflexion

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Peak ground reaction force

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Peak muscle activation

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Tissue stiffness

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07474948

SponsorUniversity of Dayton

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Ankle Stiffness trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 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.

What they're measuring

Peak ankle dorsiflexion

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Peak ground reaction force

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Peak muscle activation

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.

Tissue stiffness

Timeframe: Pre-post testing on the same day. Post testing will occur within 60 minutes of the intervention.