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

Although used in individuals after ankle or hindfoot injury, little is known about the effects of dry needling (DN) on gait parameters or whether the effect depends upon location of the needle. Therefore, our aim was to compare the effect of DN into a myofascial trigger point (MTrP) versus needling within the same muscle on gait velocity, step length, and peak pressure during gait phases after injury to the ankle/hindfoot.

Thirty-three individuals with injury to the ankle/hindfoot were randomized to receive DN directly to MTrPs (DNMTrP) or DN into the same muscle but 2.0 cm away from the MTrP (Control). Individuals received three DN sessions 1 week apart and were assessed prior to and immediately after each DNsession and 2 weeks later. Spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were assessed using the GAITRite system and peak pressure and force were assessed using the EMED platform using linear mixed models. .

After adjusting for baseline differences, normalized gait velocity and step length were significantly higher for the DNMTrP group than the control group at the second session and subsequent assessments [adjusted 4-week difference = 0.10 (0.03, 0.18) m/s and 4.88 (1.69, 8.07) cm, respectively]. After adjusting for baseline differences, peak pressure at weight acceptance was also significantly higher in the DNMTrP group than the control group at the second session and subsequent assessments [adjusted 4-week difference = 77.50 (36.60, 118.39) kPa].

DN directly to MTrPs appears to increase gait velocity, step length and peak pressures at weight acceptance and changes lasted for 2 weeks following the intervention.