NCT07039240

Short-Term Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Short-Term Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of dry needling on neuromuscular control in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during a single-leg vertical drop landing task. Participants in the intervention group will receive dry needling, while those in the control group will not receive any therapeutic intervention. The main research question is: • Can dry needling induce changes in muscle activation, co-contraction magnitude, and biomechanical parameters during landing?

Conditions

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Dry needling	The dry needling intervention will follow the fast-in and fast-out technique using disposable stainless-steel needles (0.35 × 40 mm). After insertion with a quick thrust, the needle will be manipulated in multiple directions to elicit at least one local twitch response (LTR). Once the first LTR is obtained, the needle will be moved vertically within a range of 3-5 mm, without rotation, until a total of three LTRs are elicited. The intervention is expected to last approximately 25-30 seconds.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-03
• Primary completion: 2025-04-30
• Completion: 2025-06-11
• First posted: 2025-06-26
• Last updated: 2025-06-26

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Portugal