Dry needling to help MS-related leg pain and walking

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Researchers at the University of South Florida will compare dry needling with sham dry needling in adults with multiple sclerosis who have chronic lower-extremity pain. The goal is to see if targeted muscle needling reduces pain and improves balance and walking ability. Participants will be adults aged 18 to 80 with MS, ambulatory, and pain lasting at least 3 months. The trial uses two groups and follows standard clinical research procedures to minimize bias. Outcomes will inform whether dry needling could be a non-pharmacologic option for MS-related lower-extremity symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

\*\*Inclusion Criteria:\*\*

* Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) based on the McDonald criteria
* Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score of 1-5 (ambulatory participants)
* Ability to communicate in written and spoken English
* Age 18-80 years
* Chronic lower-extremity pain lasting more than three consecutive months, with a pain intensity of at least 3 out of 10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

\*\*Exclusion Criteria:\*\*

* Any neurological comorbidity (e.g., stroke or Parkinson's disease)
* MS relapse within the past 30 days
* Current participation in or planned initiation of any pain management intervention (interventional or rehabilitative) targeting the lower extremity
* Anticipated changes in pain medication during the study period
* Pregnancy, as determined by a urine pregnancy test
* Active cancer or chemotherapy within the past year
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score below 17
* Known or suspected infection in the lower extremity
* Deep vein thrombosis
* Thrombophlebitis
* Active osteomyelitis in the lower extremity
* Varicose veins
* Uncontrolled seizures or epilepsy

Where it's running

• University of South Florida
  Tampa, Florida, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Amir Tabatabaei, PhD
• Email: tabatabaei@usf.edu
• Phone: 8139747193

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.