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Behavioural Intervention

Dry Needling for Multiple Sclerosis

N/A
Recruiting
Research Sponsored by University of Kansas Medical Center
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Participants aged 18 to 64 years, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis based on the McDonald Criteria, experiencing spasticity in their legs, and having a Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score of 5 or below, as confirmed by a neurologist (Co-I Dr. Lynch)
Be between 18 and 65 years old
Must not have
Known or suspected infection at the site of needling or in the surrounding area
Uncontrolled seizures and/or epilepsy
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 5 weeks

Summary

This trial is testing if a treatment called dry needling can help reduce muscle tightness in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Dry needling uses small needles, like acupuncture, to target specific muscles, such

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis who experience muscle tightness and spasms. Participants should be interested in a minimally-invasive, medication-free approach to manage these symptoms.
What is being tested?
The study tests dry needling, which uses tiny needles on muscles to reduce stiffness and pain, against sham (fake) dry needling. The goal is to see if it improves spasticity, balance, and walking in Multiple Sclerosis patients.
What are the potential side effects?
Dry needling may cause some discomfort at the needle site, minor bleeding or bruising. Rarely there might be temporary worsening of symptoms or fatigue.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am 18-64 with MS, have leg spasticity, and a PDDS score of 5 or less.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have an infection where I might be injected or nearby.
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I have seizures or epilepsy that is not well-controlled.
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I have not had any cancer or been cancer-free for at least a year.
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My ankle cannot move upward to a flat position due to stiffness.
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I do not have skin infections, severe swelling, or vein issues in my legs.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~5 weeks
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 5 weeks for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Spasticity

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Group I: Dry needlingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will complete three sessions of dry needling through three weeks (one session per each week)
Group II: Sham DNPlacebo Group1 Intervention
Participants randomized to the control group will be receiving sham needling
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Dry needling
2017
N/A
~1100

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

University of Kansas Medical CenterLead Sponsor
517 Previous Clinical Trials
177,274 Total Patients Enrolled
~8 spots leftby May 2025
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