COMPARISON OF DRY NEEDLING VS. SHAM ON THE PERFORMANCE OF VERTICAL JUMP

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy
• Biomechanical Research

Background:

• Dry needling is recognized for its potential to alleviate pain associated with myofascial trigger points and muscle/connective tissue discomfort.
• Understanding the broader effects of dry needling beyond pain reduction is crucial for its application in performance enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immediate impact of a single dry needling session on the two-legged vertical jump performance in healthy adults.
• To compare the effects of dry needling versus a sham procedure on vertical jump height.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-five healthy university students (mean age 22.7 years) were randomized into dry needling (n=18) or sham (n=17) groups.
• Dry needling was applied to four sites on the gastrocnemius muscles; the sham group received tactile stimulation without needle insertion.
• Two-legged vertical jump performance was assessed before and after the intervention using wall markings.

Main Results:

• The dry needling group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in vertical jump height by 1.2 inches compared to the sham group.
• This finding suggests a direct, immediate effect of dry needling on explosive power output.

Conclusions:

• A single session of dry needling can immediately enhance vertical jump height in healthy young adults.
• Further investigation is recommended to explore the potential long-term effects and clinical implications of dry needling for athletic performance.