Effects of dry needling and electrical dry needling on latent trigger points in the forearm extensor

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

In this randomized, single-blind trial, healthy adults with a latent trigger point in the extensor digitorum of the dominant forearm are assigned to five groups: a control, Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling, rotational dry needling, bipolar electrical dry needling, or monopolar electrical dry needling. The trial compares post-needling soreness, pain during the procedure, and other functional measures such as pressure pain threshold, handgrip strength, and range of motion at several time points after intervention. Assessments occur at baseline, 5 minutes, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-treatment. The goal is to understand which technique minimizes soreness while preserving function in healthy participants.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 to 40 years.
* Healthy participants with a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm.
* No pathology affecting the upper limb where the intervention will be applied.
* No episode of pain in the upper limb during at least the previous two months.
* No contraindications to dry needling or electrical dry needling techniques.
* Voluntary signature of the informed consent form.
* Willingness to follow the protocol proposed by the research team.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Needle phobia.
* Coagulation disorders.
* Pregnancy.
* Thyroid disorders.
* Altered skin integrity in the treatment area.
* Epilepsy.
* Local or systemic infection.
* Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting pain perception or neuromuscular function in the region of interest, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathies.
* Generalized chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
* Weekly use of analgesic medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, or other pain-relieving medication.

Where it's running

• Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut
  Reus, Tarragona, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tania López Hernández — Unviersitat Rovira i Virgili
• Study coordinator: Tania López Hernández, Phd
• Email: tania.lopez@urv.cat
• Phone: 34+620438175

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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.