Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity and Functional Ability

Batterjee Medical College

Status: Completed

Conditions: Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Treatments: Other: Dry Needling; Other: Traditional Physical Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06856473

BMCDryNeedle

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigates the effects of dry needling on spasticity and its impact on functional ability in individuals with neuromuscular disorders. Using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), the research evaluates changes in muscle tone, mobility, and overall motor performance following dry needling intervention. The findings aim to provide evidence on the clinical benefits of dry needling as a therapeutic approach for improving movement efficiency and functional outcomes in patients with spasticity.

Full description

Spasticity is a common impairment in individuals with neuromuscular disorders, often leading to limitations in movement, balance, and overall functional performance. Dry needling has emerged as a promising intervention for managing spasticity by targeting hyperactive muscle fibers and reducing abnormal muscle tone. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects of dry needling on muscle spasticity and functional ability using standardized clinical measures.

Participants will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to quantify changes in muscle tone, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test to evaluate mobility and balance, and the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) to assess functional motor skills. The intervention will focus on specific muscle groups affected by spasticity.

By analyzing the relationship between changes in spasticity and functional mobility, this study seeks to determine whether dry needling contributes to measurable improvements in movement efficiency, postural control, and daily functional activities. The findings will provide valuable insights into the role of dry needling as an adjunct therapy in rehabilitation programs, supporting its integration into clinical practice for individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Hypertonia score 2 according to MAS
• Able to understand and follow instructions
• Able to stand and walk independantly

Exclusion criteria

• Participants with neurological conditions that involve significant cognitive deficits or severe uncontrolled epilepsy
• Participants who have undergone surgical procedures within the last 3 months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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48 participants in 2 patient groups

Traditional physical therapy Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Traditional physical therapy program based on neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) (3 sessions per week, each lasting 1 hour).

Treatment:

Other: Traditional Physical Therapy

Dry needling Group

Experimental group

Description:

traditional physical therapy program based on neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) (3 sessions per week, each lasting 1 hour), in addition to dry needling for the spastic calf and adductor muscles.

Treatment:

Other: Traditional Physical Therapy

Other: Dry Needling