Comparing Effects of Different Dry Needling Techniques on Latent Trigger Points in the Dominant Forearm of Healthy Adults Aged 18 to 40

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques on latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults aged 18 to 40. This randomized single-blind trial aims to compare these techniques with a control group, focusing on post-needling soreness intensity and duration as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes include pain during needling, pressure pain threshold, handgrip strength, finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion range of motion, perceived comfort, and interference of soreness with daily activities. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of five groups control no intervention, Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling, rotational dry needling, bipolar electrical dry needling, or monopolar electrical dry needling. Each intervention involves inserting a sterile needle into the latent trigger point, with specific movements or electrical stimulation depending on the group. Bipolar electrical dry needling applies a 15-minute TENS current through an electrode and needle, while monopolar electrical dry needling uses a Pointer device with 3 minutes of stimulation. Control group participants will undergo assessments without needling. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 5 minutes after intervention, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-intervention. Assessments include soreness intensity and duration, pain during needling, pressure pain threshold by algometry, handgrip strength, and range of motion. Researchers will monitor post-needling soreness to evaluate its impact on comfort and daily activities. Roles for recruitment, assessment, intervention, and data analysis are separated to reduce bias, with outcome assessors and data analysts blinded to group assignment.

Effects of Dry Needling on Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Extensor Digitorum Communis