Improving dry needling accuracy through cadaver anatomy training
Reducing Dangerous Placement of Needles by Physiotherapists Who Use Dry Needling (DN) by Introducing Cadaver Anatomy Review: a Randomized Control Trial Assessing Needle Placement Accuracy and Confidence
This study tests if training physiotherapists with cadaver anatomy helps them perform dry needling more accurately and safely compared to regular educational content.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT06845969 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether a cadaver anatomy review enhances the accuracy and perceived safety of dry needling performed by physiotherapists. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving cadaver training or a control group receiving unrelated educational content. The study will measure needle placement accuracy and confidence levels using ultrasound imaging and initial knowledge assessments. The goal is to determine if anatomical training leads to better outcomes in dry needling practices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are licensed physiotherapists who practice dry needling and are in good standing with their regulatory college.
Not a fit: Patients who have contraindications to dry needling or those who do not meet the normal BMI measurements may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety and effectiveness of dry needling treatments administered by physiotherapists.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using cadaver training in physiotherapy is not widely tested, similar educational interventions have shown promise in enhancing clinical skills in other medical fields.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Physiotherapy volunteers: Physiotherapists who are in good standing with their regulatory College and licensed to practice dry needling. * Needling volunteers (those who will be needled) must be able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Physiotherapy volunteers: Physiotherapists who are not in good standing with their regulatory College or not licensed to practice dry needling or have taken a cadaver review class post-graduation from their entry to practice physiotherapy program. * Needling volunteers (those who will be needled): Anyone who posses any contraindications to dry needling or not within normal BMI measurements
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Parent, PhD — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Nadine R Crocker, MScPT
- Email: nrrissli@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 7806907442
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.