NCT03592095

Blinding and Previous Experiences of Dry Needling

Blinding of Dry Needling Technique Based on Previous Experiences: A Double-blinded Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (actual)
• Sponsor: European University of Madrid · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Dry needling (DN) is a treatment technique widely used in patients with various musculoskeletal health problems due to myofascial trigger points (MTrP). DN has shown to have positive effect on pain and function in patients with mechanical neck pain. These positive results are thought to be the consequence of specific neurophysiological and mechanical processes. Research has shown that DN induces 1) end plate inhibition, 2) reduction of inflammatory substances, 3) increase of blood flow and oxygen and 4) a reduction of nociceptive afferent activity. However, the exact working mechanisms underlying DN effects is still a topic of debate. This trial addresses one of the major methodological issues in needle testing,the effects of proper blinding. DN is a specific technique that is not easily be replaced by another comparable intervention. A sham needle with a blunt tip was created that simulates penetration into the skin without actually doing so. Research about a valid method for the control in needling studies is for this reason of particular relevance. A proper blinding technique is of importance to further the field of DN.

Detailed description

The objectives of this study are to analysize short-term effects on pain intensity and pressure pain sensitivity according to previous experience (blinding) in subjects with mechanical neck pain receiving real or sham-DN and to determine the success in masking DN versus sham DN in patients with mechanical neck pain based on prior experience with this technique.

Conditions

• Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Dry needling	Real dry needling will be conducted according to Hong description, fast-in and fast-out interventions. The intervention will be applied until a total of four local twitch responses will be elicited
DEVICE	Placebo needle	Sham dry needling with be conducted with a sham needle (Steitberger's Park sham device (PSD). This needle has a blunt tip and retractable handle that created the illusion of a needle penetrating the skin. When this needle touches the skin, a pricking sensation will be created. However, when pressure will be increased, the shaft of the needle disappears into the handle creating a sensation on the patient.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-06-04
• Primary completion: 2020-11-02
• Completion: 2020-12-10
• First posted: 2018-07-19
• Last updated: 2020-12-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Spain