Time effect for in-situ dry needling on the autonomic nervous system, a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Dry needling is an increasingly utilized physical therapy technique.
• Optimal duration for needle retention (in situ) remains unclear.
• This study explores autonomic responses to varying dry needling durations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dry needling on autonomic nervous system activity.
• To determine the duration of autonomic response to dry needling.
• To inform clinical decisions regarding needle retention time.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study involving 21 participants.
• Automated pupillometry used to measure autonomic activity.
• Dry needling applied paravertebrally (C7-T3), with pupil measurements taken over 24 minutes.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in mean pupil diameter observed post-needling (p < .01).
• Increased sympathetic activity, indicated by pupil dilation, persisted for 18 minutes (p < .05).
• Autonomic activity returned to baseline levels by the 21-minute mark.

Conclusions:

• Dry needling elicits a significant, temporary increase in sympathetic nervous system activity.
• The duration of this effect appears to be approximately 18 minutes.
• Findings may guide physical therapists in optimizing dry needling treatment duration.