Immediate Effect of Dry Needling on Calf Muscles Pain Pressure Threshold,Sprint Speed and Functional Performance in Amateur Football Player
Foundation University Islamabad
60 participants
Aug 29, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomised single-blind trial will evaluate the immediate effect of a single session of dry needling versus sham needling on calf muscle myofascial trigger points among amateur football players aged 18-25 years. Primary and secondary outcomes are Pressure Pain Threshold (algometer), Sprint Speed (shuttle run test), and Functional Performance (single-leg hop). Outcomes will be measured immediately pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis will be performed in SPSS version 27 using paired and independent t-tests (p \< 0.05).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Amateur football players aged 18-25 years.
- Participation in club-level football for at least one year.
- Presence of active myofascial trigger point in gastrocnemius or soleus confirmed by palpation.
- Willingness to participate and provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria5
- History of calf muscle tear, fracture, or lower limb surgery.
- Current use of muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication.
- Known bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy.
- Local infection, skin lesion, or contraindication to dry needling.
- Neurological or vascular disorders affecting lower limb function.
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Interventions
A single-session myofascial trigger point dry needling treatment will be administered to identified trigger points in the gastrocnemius and/or soleus muscles using sterile disposable filiform needles. The objective is to mechanically disrupt the dysfunctional motor end plate, elicit local twitch responses, reduce nociceptive activity, and restore muscle function. The intervention is delivered under aseptic conditions by a trained physiotherapist following standard safety guidelines. Post-procedure monitoring will be conducted for minor adverse effects such as soreness or bleeding.
A simulated needling procedure designed to act as a placebo comparator will be applied without skin penetration. The technique reproduces the visual, tactile, and contextual components of dry needling to maintain participant blinding while avoiding physiological stimulation of the muscle. This allows isolation of the true therapeutic effect of dry needling from psychological or expectancy-related responses.
Locations(1)
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NCT07525921