Neurophysiologic Effects of Dry Needling on Quadriceps Muscle Fatigue of Amateur Healthy Men Athletes Publisher



Rostamkhani M ; Ansari N N ; Naghdi S ; Dastkhosh M ; Mansouri K ; Ashnagar Z ; Dommerholt J
Source: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies Published:2026

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the neurophysiological effects of dry needling (DN) on quadriceps muscle fatigue in healthy amateur male athletes. Methods Twenty-one healthy amateur athletes participated in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Participants in the DN group (n = 10 ) received one session of DN targeting the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris (1 min per muscle using the fast-in, fast-out technique), while those in the placebo group (n = 11 ) received sham DN at the same muscle sites. The maximum isometric torque (MIT), single-leg hop test (SLH), single-leg stance test (SLS), and Hoffmann reflex to maximal M-wave ratio (H/M ratio) were measured at baseline, after the fatigue protocol, and immediately and 1 h post-intervention. Results Improvements in all outcomes, with the exception of SLS test that was similar between groups, was better for the DN group than for placebo group. The mean ratio of H/M returned to pre-fatigue level immediately after DN (post-fatigue 0.21 to pre-fatigue 0.31, Cohen's d = 0.8), but in the placebo group, it did not return to pre-fatigue level and remained reduced after 1 h. Conclusion DN was associated with within-group improvements in quadriceps fatigue-related outcomes in healthy amateur athletes. However, no statistically significant between-group differences were observed, and therefore the findings should be interpreted cautiously. The observed improvements in the H/M ratio suggest a neurophysiological mechanism that may contribute to reduced muscle fatigue. Further research with larger sample size is recommended to better understand the mechanisms and efficacy of DN in addressing muscle fatigue. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.