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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
Efficacy of dry needling in reducing spasticity after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Xinyi Yuan1, Ziwen Wang1, Huiru Zhang1
1Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
Objective:
To assess the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) in reducing spasticity among post-stroke patients through meta-analysis.
Data Sources:
PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Embase were searched up to April 2026, alongside manual searches of reference lists.
Study Selection:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (>18 years) with post-stroke spasticity, investigating DN alone or as part of a multimodal intervention, were included.
Data Extraction:
Two reviewers independently extracted data, primarily focusing on changes in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS).
Data Synthesis:
Eleven RCTs (276 patients) were included. Overall, DN significantly reduced spasticity compared to the control group (mean difference [MD] = -0.65). DN was effective for both upper (MD = -0.40) and lower limbs (MD = -1.02), with the most robust effect in ankle plantar flexors (MD = -1.05). Significant improvements occurred whether DN was compared to sham interventions (MD = -0.45) or added to conventional neurorehabilitation (MD = -0.76). While study quality was generally high (PEDro scores 5-9/10), GRADE certainty was Moderate to Low due to small sample sizes and blinding bias.
Conclusions:
DN is an effective short-term intervention and a potent adjunct to standard rehabilitation for reducing post-stroke spasticity in both upper and lower extremities. Further research is needed to evaluate its long-term functional impact.
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