Clinical Effects of Dry Needling Among Asymptomatic Individuals With Hamstring Tightness: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dry needling on hamstring extensibility and functional performance tests among asymptomatic individuals with hamstring muscle tightness.


BACKGROUND
Dry needling has been shown to increase range of motion in the upper quarter and may have similar effects in the lower quarter.


METHODS
27 subjects with hamstring extensibility deficits were randomly assigned to side of treatment (dominant or nondominant) and group (blunt needling or dry needling). The first session included measurement of hamstring extensibility and performance on 4 unilateral hop tests, instruction in home hamstring stretching exercises and needling distal to the ischial tuberosity and midbellies of the medial and lateral hamstrings. A second session, 3-5 days following the first session, included outcome measures and a second needling intervention, and a third session, 4-6 weeks following the first session, included outcome measures only. A 2 × 3 × 2 ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the data.


RESULTS
Hamstring extensibility showed a significant side × time interaction (P < .05). The single hop for distance, timed 6-meter hop, and the crossover hop test had a significant main effect of time (P < .05). The triple hop for distance showed a significant side × time × group interaction (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
It does not appear dry needling results in increased extensibility beyond that of stretching alone in asymptomatic individuals. Our study findings suggest that dry needling may improve certain dimensions of functional performance, although no clear conclusion can be made.


METHODS
Intervention, level 2b.
Kathleen
K
Geist
Claire
C
Bradley
Alan
A
Hofman
Rob
R
Koester
Fenella
F
Roche
Annalise
A
Shields
Elizabeth
E
Frierson
Ainsley
A
Rossi
Marie
M
Johanson
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D000070633:Hamstring Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D009339:Needles; D055815:Young Adult
complementary therapies; motor activity; muscle stretching exercises