Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
Consistency of Dry-Needling Interventions Across High-Quality Randomized Trials: A Critical Systematic Exploration of
Corrie Myburgh1, Katrine Kildsgaard1, Thomas Damsgaard1
1Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to systematically explore the reporting of trigger-point dry needling (DN) in high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and to evaluate those trials' intervention fidelity.
Methods:
A focused systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched for systematic reviews focusing on DN, published from January 2014 to January 2019. Randomized clinical trials with a low risk of bias were identified and their reported intervention data extracted. Dry-needling interventions were categorized according to common technique elements, and the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) was used to appraise their intervention fidelity.
Results:
Fifteen systematic reviews were identified, and from these we extracted data from 26 RCTs. Twelve unique technique descriptors were identified, and 8 technique archetype categories were distinguishable, based on whether a local twitch response defined the start of the intervention, whether continuous needle insertion and withdrawal was used, and what criteria determined the cessation of needling. The median number of TIDieR items reported was 8.5 out of 12. Explicit procedure reporting was uncommon for intervention tailoring (38%) and rare for intervention mode (19%) and modifications (7%).
Conclusion:
Across the RCTs included in this review, substantial heterogeneity in the choice and reporting of DN was evident. In particular, systematic underreporting of intervention tailoring, mode clarification, and procedure modification undermined intervention fidelity. The development and adoption of standardized intervention guidelines is recommended to enhance uniform and nuanced reporting of DN interventions.
More Related Videos
08:20Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Therapeutic Effects of FSN Treatment – Bridging Research and Clinical Applications in Neuropathic Pain
Published on: June 30, 2023
06:03Operational and Intervention Effects of Targeted Tuina in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rabbits
Published on: July 21, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:29Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...