Dry needling directly into trigger points is associated with improved gait parameters: a randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Ankle and hindfoot injuries commonly affect gait parameters.
• Dry needling (DN) is used post-injury, but its specific effects on gait are not well understood.
• The precise location of needle insertion for DN may influence outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of DN targeting myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) versus non-MTrP needling on gait velocity, step length, and peak pressure.
• To investigate gait parameter changes after ankle/hindfoot injury interventions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three individuals with ankle/hindfoot injuries were randomized into two groups: DN directly to MTrPs (DNMTrP) or DN 2.0 cm away from MTrPs (Control).
• Three DN sessions were administered one week apart, with assessments before each session, immediately after, and two weeks later.
• Gait spatiotemporal characteristics were measured using the GAITRite system, and peak pressure/force using the EMED platform.

Main Results:

• The DNMTrP group showed significantly higher normalized gait velocity and step length compared to the control group.
• These improvements in gait velocity and step length were observed from the second session and persisted for two weeks.
• Peak pressure at weight acceptance was also significantly higher in the DNMTrP group compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Dry needling directly into myofascial trigger points appears to enhance gait velocity and step length in individuals with ankle/hindfoot injuries.
• The observed improvements in gait parameters and peak pressure were sustained for at least two weeks post-intervention.
• Needle placement is a critical factor in the efficacy of dry needling for gait rehabilitation.