Effects of dry needling intervention on lower limb dysfunction after stroke: study protocol for a randomised...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Lower limb dysfunction is a common complication following stroke, significantly impacting patients' quality of life.
• Effective interventions are needed to improve motor function, balance, and gait in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short- and interim-term effectiveness of dry needling (DN) as an adjunct to conventional treatment for lower limb dysfunction after stroke.
• To assess the impact of DN on lower extremity function, balance, and gait parameters.

Main Methods:

• A single-centre, assessor and statistician-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 44 post-stroke patients.
• Participants were allocated to either conventional treatment (n=22) or conventional treatment plus DN (n=22).
• Intervention duration was 2 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 3 months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity scale.
• Secondary outcomes included range of motion, balance tests, gait speed, spasticity, and functional independence.
• Data analysis is pending completion of the study; adverse events will be reported.

Conclusions:

• The study protocol is established to assess the efficacy of dry needling for post-stroke lower limb dysfunction.
• Results will provide evidence regarding the potential benefits of incorporating dry needling into rehabilitation programs for stroke survivors.
• Further research will elucidate the role of dry needling in improving functional recovery after stroke.