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Immediate decrease of muscle biomechanical stiffness following dry needling in asymptomatic participants.

Joseph P Kelly1, Shane L Koppenhaver2, Lori A Michener3

  • 1Bradley University, Peoria, IL, United States.

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|August 15, 2021
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Summary

Dry needling (DN) temporarily reduces muscle stiffness in the gastrocnemius and erector spinae muscles. However, this effect is short-lived, with stiffness returning after 24 hours.

Keywords:
Dry needlingMuscle stiffnessMyofascial trigger point

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Rehabilitation Science

Background:

  • Biomechanical muscle stiffness is associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
  • Understanding muscle stiffness changes after dry needling (DN) may reveal its physiological mechanisms.
  • This study investigates DN's impact on infraspinatus, erector spinae, and gastrocnemius muscle stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the immediate and short-term effects of dry needling on biomechanical muscle stiffness.
  • To explore the influence of a localized twitch response (LTR) during dry needling on muscle stiffness.
  • To assess changes in muscle stiffness in specific muscle groups (infraspinatus, erector spinae, gastrocnemius).

Main Methods:

  • 60 healthy participants were randomized into three muscle groups: infraspinatus, erector spinae, or gastrocnemius.
  • A single session of dry needling was administered to the target muscle.
  • Muscle stiffness was measured using a MyotonPRO at baseline, immediately after DN, and 24 hours post-treatment.
  • Participants were subgrouped based on the presence or absence of a localized twitch response (LTR) during DN.

Main Results:

  • A significant immediate decrease in muscle stiffness was observed in the gastrocnemius and LTR erector spinae groups following dry needling.
  • Muscle stiffness increased 24 hours after dry needling, indicating a transient effect.
  • No significant changes in muscle stiffness were detected in the infraspinatus group.

Conclusions:

  • Dry needling can induce an immediate but temporary reduction in local muscle stiffness.
  • The clinical significance and persistence of these stiffness changes in symptomatic populations remain undetermined.
  • Further research is needed to correlate decreased biomechanical stiffness with clinical improvements in individuals experiencing symptoms.