Effects of dry needling on muscle activity and characteristics in stroke patients with spasticity
Effects of Dry Needling on Electromyographic Activity and Ultrasonographic Characteristics in Post-Stroke Spasticity
This study is testing if dry needling can help stroke patients with muscle tightness feel better and move more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidad de Zaragoza Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madrid, Madrid) |
| Trial ID | NCT06017960 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of dry needling on spasticity in patients who have experienced a stroke. It aims to determine whether dry needling can reduce spasticity and improve muscle function by analyzing electromyographic activity and ultrasound characteristics of affected muscles. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either dry needling or sham treatment, alongside usual care, over four sessions. The study will also explore correlations between muscle activity, ultrasound findings, and clinical outcomes to identify the best responders to treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a medical diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and moderate spasticity.
Not a fit: Patients with recurrent strokes, severe cognitive deficits, or those who have recently received certain treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for stroke patients suffering from spasticity.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown moderate success with dry needling in reducing spasticity, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * be over 18 years old * understand and voluntarily sign informed consent before performing the intervention * have a medical diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke * have a grade between 1-3 according to the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) on the triceps sural * able to walk independently to perform gait test Exclusion Criteria: * recurrent stroke * who have received previous treatments of botulinum toxin type A in the last 3 months * who have received treatments with dry needling in the last month * severe cognitive deficits * fear of needles * metal allergy.
Where this trial is running
Madrid, Madrid
- Centro Europeo de Neurociencias — Madrid, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Pablo Herrero Gallego, PhD
- Email: pherrero@unizar.es
- Phone: 646168248
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.