Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The study team is recruiting 20 adults with spasticity due to chronic stroke and 20 adults with no neurological injuries for a 2 day study. In people with chronic stroke, one of the most common and disabling problems is spasticity (increased muscle tone or muscle stiffness). The purpose of this research study is to examine effects of dry needling on the nervous system (pathways between the muscle, spinal cord, and brain) in people with spasticity due to chronic stroke. Dry needling is a procedure in which a thin, stainless steel needle is inserted into your skin to produce a muscle twitch response. It is intended to release a knot in your muscle and relieve pain.
The total study duration is 2 days. The first visit will take about 3 hours, during which dry needling will take place, and the second visit will take about 1 hour. During both visits you will be asked to participate in examinations of reflexes (muscle responses to non-invasive nerve stimulation) and arm/leg function.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 years old with muscle stiffness from a stroke that happened more than a year ago and are medically stable. It's also for those without neurological injuries. People can't join if they have certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding issues, severe anxiety, metal allergies, or heart problems.Inclusion Criteria
I am over 18 and do not have any known brain injuries or conditions.
I had a stroke over a year ago, have stable health, and experience stiffness in my ankle or wrist.
Exclusion Criteria
My diabetes is not under control.
My motor nerves are damaged and don't respond well to treatment.
I have a severe fear of needles.
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Participant Groups
The study tests dry needling—a technique where a thin needle is used to relieve muscle knots and pain in people with spasticity after stroke. Participants will undergo this procedure once and then be evaluated on reflexes and limb function over two days.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Individuals with spasticity resulting from strokeExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This is an experimental intervention in which individuals will receive dry needling to relieve spasticity in the target muscle. The study team will examine the effects of this treatment on the nervous system by performing assessments just prior to, immediately after, 90 minutes after, and 72 hours after dry needling. These assessments will examine how you move your arm or leg and how your nervous system responds to non-invasive nerve stimulation.
Group II: Individuals with no known neurological injuryExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This is an experimental intervention in which individuals will receive dry needling of an arm or leg muscle. The study team will examine the effects of this treatment on the nervous system by performing assessments just prior to, immediately after, 90 minutes after, and 72 hours after dry needling. These assessments will examine how you move your arm or leg and how your nervous system responds to non-invasive nerve stimulation.
Dry Needling is already approved in United Kingdom, United States for the following indications:
🇬🇧 Approved in United Kingdom as Dry Needling for:
- Knee osteoarthritis pain management
- Muscle strength improvement
- Leg function enhancement
🇺🇸 Approved in United States as Dry Needling for:
- Chronic knee pain relief
- Musculoskeletal pain management
- Myofascial pain syndrome treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston, SC
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Medical University of South CarolinaLead Sponsor