Using dry needling to treat muscle tightness in people with Multiple Sclerosis
The Effectiveness of Dry Needling on Reducing Spasticity and Promoting Mobility and Balance in People With Multiple Sclerosis
NA · University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06394310
This study is testing if dry needling can help people with Multiple Sclerosis reduce muscle tightness and improve their balance and walking.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06394310 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of dry needling as a treatment for muscle spasticity in individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Dry needling involves the insertion of thin needles into specific muscle areas to alleviate tightness and pain, differing from traditional acupuncture by focusing on muscle management. The study aims to determine if this minimally-invasive technique can improve not only muscle stiffness but also enhance balance and walking abilities, potentially leading to better overall mobility. Participants will be compared against a sham dry needling group to assess the treatment's efficacy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 64 with a clinical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and spasticity in their lower legs.
Not a fit: Patients with severe varicose veins, needle phobia, or other significant medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a medication-free option to improve muscle spasticity and mobility for patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While dry needling is a recognized technique, its application specifically for Multiple Sclerosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 64 years * Clinical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis based on the McDonald Criteria * Spasticity in their lower legs * Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score of 5 or below Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to communicate effectively with study personnel * Needle phobia * Severe varicose veins * Presence of an active implanted device * Pregnancy * Any active cancer or history within 1 year * known or suspected infection at the site of needling or in the surrounding area * Presence of a fixed plantarflexion contracture at the ankle * Acute fracture of dislocation in the region (bilateral lower extremity) * Deep vein thrombosis or peripheral vascular disease * Thrombophlebitis, or active osteomyelitis in the region (bilateral lower extremity) * Any medication changes, including antispastic medicines, for the past three months.
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas
- Mobility and Falls Lab — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Abbas TABATABAEI, PhD
- Email: stabatabaeihalavi@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-3715
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.
Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, Spasticity, multiple sclerosis, Dry needling, Mobility, Balance