Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share By
Dry Needling of Forearm Pronators for Spasticity and Upper Limb Function in Chronic Stroke: A Sham-Controlled Trial Publisher



Parsaei AH ; Nakhostin Ansari NN ; Ashnagar Z ; Naghdi S ; Raji P
Authors

Source: Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies Published:2026


Abstract

Background: Few studies have examined the spasticity of forearm pronators post-stroke. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of dry needling (DN) targeting forearm pronators on spasticity and upper limb function post-stroke. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic stroke participated in a single-group, sham-controlled trial (14 males, mean age 55.3 years, mean time since stroke 15.5 months). The intervention included two three-session phases: Sham DN and DN at pronator muscles. Assessments were conducted pre-and post-sham DN (T0, T1), pre-and post-DN (T2, T3), and at a one-week follow-up after DN (T4). Results: Spasticity scores for pronators reduced from 2 at T2 to 0 at T3 and 1 at T4 (P < 0.001). Wrist flexor spasticity improved by 1 point and remained reduced at T4 (P < 0.001). The DN significantly improved both active (Cohen’s d = 0.5-0.62) and passive range of motion (ROM) in forearm supination, as well as elbow and wrist extension (Cohen’s d > 0.8). Brunnstrom Recovery Stage improved from 3 to 4 at T3 (P < 0.001) and remained improved at T4 (P = 0.03). The effect size for upper limb function [Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory-13 (CAHAI-13) scores] was negligible (d = 0.09). Conclusions: The DN of the forearm pronators reduced spasticity, increased active and passive upper limb ROM, and promoted motor recovery. Effects were widespread and exceeded those observed with sham DN. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Related Docs
View other Related Docs
1. A Clinical Trial Protocol to Compare the Effect of Dry Needling and Acupoint Dry Needling on Wrist Flexor Spasticity After Stroke, JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2022)
2. Effects of Dry Needling on Gastrocnemius Muscle Spasticity and Gait in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Medical Acupuncture (2024)
3. Effects of Dry Needling and Exercise Therapy on Post-Stroke Spasticity and Motor Function– Protocol of Randomized Clinical Trial, Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications (2022)
Experts (# of related papers)
View all Related Experts
Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari (18)
Soofia Naghdi Dorbati (13)
Other Related Docs
4. The Immediate Effects of Dry Needling for Ankle and Toe Plantar Flexors on Spasticity and Balance in Patients With Stroke, Tehran University Medical Journal (2020)
5. Effects of Dry Needling Session Frequency on Wrist Flexor Spasticity and Motor Recovery After Stroke: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice (2023)
6. Effects of Dry Needling on Connectivity of Corticospinal Tract, Spasticity, and Function of Upper Extremity in People With Stroke: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial, JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2021)
7. The Effect of Dry Needling on Lower Limb Dysfunction in Poststroke Survivors, Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases (2020)
8. A Study on the Effects of Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Spasticity: Protocol of a Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial, JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2021)
9. The Effects of Dry Needling As a Novel Recovery Strategy on Quadriceps Muscle Fatigue: A Pilot Study, Journal of Iranian Medical Council (2019)
10. The Effect of Dry Needling in Chronic Stroke With a Complex Network Approach: A Case Study, Clinical EEG and Neuroscience (2023)
11. Dry Needling of Tight Hamstrings in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain, Iranian Journal of Public Health (2021)
12. The Effect of Dry Needling on Spasticity, Gait and Muscle Architecture in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Case Series Study, Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation (2018)
13. Effects of Dry Needling on Post-Stroke Brain Activity and Muscle Spasticity of the Upper Limb: A Case Report, Acupuncture in Medicine (2021)
14. Dry Needling for Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition of Quadriceps Femoris in Patients After Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial, JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2023)
15. Immediate Effects of Dry Needling As a Novel Strategy for Hamstring Flexibility: A Single-Blinded Clinical Pilot Study, Journal of Sport Rehabilitation (2020)
16. Effects of Dry Needling Plus Exercise Therapy on Post-Stroke Spasticity and Motor Function: A Case Report, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2022)
17. Concurrent Effects of Dry Needling and Electrical Stimulation in the Management of Upper Extremity Hemiparesis, JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2019)
18. The Effect of Ankle Muscles Dry Needling on Brain Activity Map Based on Fmri: A Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial, JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (2024)
19. A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effects of Dry Needling on Upper Limb Dysfunction in Patients With Stroke, Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research (2021)
20. Effect of Dry Needling Plus Static Stretching on Plantar Flexor Spasticity, Function, and Quality of Life in a Patient With Chronic Stroke: A Case Report, Journal of Medical Case Reports (2025)