RecruitingACTRN12622001016729

Dry needling-related objective signs of the referred pain presence

Dry needling-related objective signs of the referred pain presence based on the latent trigger point in healthy adults

Sponsor

Opole University of Technology

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Dec 1, 2024

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

myofascial pain - latent trigger points

Summary

The aim of the study is to observe objective signs of the latent trigger points dry needling based on the distant bioelectrical muscle activity and autonomic nervous system measurement.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 35 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique where thin needles are inserted into tight bands of muscle called trigger points to relieve pain and stiffness. A well-known feature of trigger point treatment is "referred pain" — the sensation that the pain travels or radiates to an area away from where the needle is inserted. This study investigates what objective, measurable signs occur in the body when this referred pain is triggered. Researchers will use sensors to measure electrical activity in distant muscles and changes in the autonomic nervous system (heart rate, skin conductance) during dry needling sessions. Healthy athletes and volunteers aged 18–35 will receive dry needling to latent trigger points — muscle tension points that are not currently causing pain — so researchers can study the referred pain response in a controlled way. You may be eligible if you are a healthy athlete or volunteer aged 18–35. You would not be eligible if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy, pregnancy, any active infection or inflammatory condition, cancer, or a history of stroke.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

The study aims to observe dry needling-related distant reactivity of the muscles and autonomic nervous system, taking into account the latent component of the trigger point form. A single assessment will be made of: (i) latent trigger point examination according to Travell& Simons diagnostic criteria and Delphy study recommendation and the measurement of the pressure pain threshold - PPT, using an AlgoMed; (ii) dry needling under infrared camera control according to the Skorupska Protocol combine with the heart rate variability (HRV) and surface electromyography (sEMG); (iii) analysis of negative emotion and pain assessment questionnaires. A group of active athletes aged 18-35 who train in sports characterized by an asymmetric movement structure and healthy volunteers will be studied. All measurements will be performed in university laboratories. The dry needling intervention will be performed by a leading authority in the field of pain diagnosis, certified in dry needling, and who has extensive experience from international training. The intervention will include one session of 10 minutes. The intervention will be carried out by a specialist who is certified and internationally certified in the intervention to be carried out.

Locations(1)

Poland, Poland

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ACTRN12622001016729