title: Dry needling: Effects on activation and passive mechanical properties of the quadriceps, pain and range during late stage rehabilitation of ACL reconstructed patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dry needling (DN) is reported to decrease pain and improve functional movements yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Changes in muscle tone and other mechanical properties after DN could contribute to these findings but have not been investigated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Examine EMG and passive mechanical properties of the quadriceps muscle before and after DN.
  
  
  METHODS
  EMG, MyotonPro and clinical measurements were taken pre and post DN.
  
  
  METHODS
  Rehabilitation department at Aspetar Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar.
  
  
  METHODS
  20 subjects reporting pain and quadriceps muscle tension.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pain (VAS, measured during a single leg step down), knee flexion range, and passive mechanical properties of the superficial quadriceps were measured using the MyotonPro device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pain decreased (p < 0.01) and ROM increased in flexion (p < 0.001). EMG activity (RMS) was decreased at rest in the Vastus Lateralis (VL (p < 0.05, ES = 0.22). All other sEMG parameters were not significantly different (all p > 0.11, ES = 0.13). Passive mechanical properties were not significantly different in rectus femoris (RF) and VL. Decrement and Resistance of the Vastus Medialis (VM) were significantly decreased (p<0.05, ES>0.19).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DN resulted in small reductions in: pain, resting activation (EMG of VL), decrement and resistance (of VM).
authors.affiliation: Aspetar, Sport Medicine and Orthopedic Hospital, Qatar. Electronic address: Silvia.cebrian@aspetar.com.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ortega-Cebrian
authors.affiliation: Aspetar, Sport Medicine and Orthopedic Hospital, Qatar.
authors.forename: Nicolleta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Luchini
authors.affiliation: Aspetar, Sport Medicine and Orthopedic Hospital, Qatar.
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whiteley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009339:Needles; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Acupuncture; Dry needling; Muscle tone; Stiffness