Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity and Motor Function in Paralympic Athletes: A Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial Publisher



Aliasgharpour F¹ ; Honarpishe R² ; Hosseiniasl SH¹ ; Khonji MS³ ; Abbaschian F⁴ ; Nakhostin Ansari N^{2, 5} ; Naghdi S² ; Gallego PH⁶ ; Nakhostinansari A³ Show Affiliations
Source: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine Published:2024

Abstract

No study has evaluated the effects of dry needling on Paralympic athletes. Therefore, in this study, we will evaluate the effect of dry needling on lower limb spasticity and motor performance, as well as the range of motion of Paralympic athletes. The study will be a triple-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Twenty-four athletes aged 18-45 in T35-T38 groups of the International Paralympic Committee classification will be included in the study. Twelve participants will receive dry needling of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles, and 12 will receive placebo treatment with sham needles at similar points. We will assess the spasticity of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles using the Modified Ashworth Scale, evaluate motor function using the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity Scale and measure ankle range of motion (ROM) with a goniometer. Considering our hypothesis, the athletes who will undergo the dry needling are supposed to achieve better improvements in spasticity, ROM and motor performance. This study can provide useful information to help better decide on managing complications in Paralympics and its long-term outcomes, to cover the current lack in the literature. © 2024 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.