The Effect of Dry Needling on Lower Limb Dysfunction in Poststroke Survivors

Ghannadi, Shima; Shariat, Ardalan; Ansari, Noureddin; Tavakol, Zahra; Honarpishe, Roshanak; Hakakzadeh, Azadeh; Dommerholt, Jan; Noormohammadpour, Pardis; Ingle, Lee

Abstract

Background: Spasticity is one of the main complications in poststroke survivors leading to difficulties in walking and standing resulting in high levels of disability. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of deep dry needling on lower limb dysfunction in poststroke spastic patients. Methods: A randomized clinical trial conducted in poststroke survivors who were assigned to one of 2 groups: Deep dry needling (intervention group) and sham dry needling (control group). The primary outcome measures were Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and functional tests (timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test). Secondary outcome measures were active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (AROM), passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (PROM), single leg stance test, and Barthel index. All measurements were assessed at baseline (T0), immediately after the third session 1 week later (T1), and 1 month after the end of the intervention (T2). Results: We recruited 24 patients (71% male; mean age 57 ± 10 years; 26.4 ± 1.8 kg•m−2; time since event: 25.2 ± 12.5 months). There were significant improvements in MMAS, timed up and go test, 10-meter walk test, Barthel scale, and PROM (P < .05) in the intervention group compared to controls across the time-points. There were no significant improvements in AROM assessments (P >. 05). Conclusions: Deep dry needling decreases muscle spasticity and improves lower limb function and gait speed in poststroke survivors.

Citation

Ghannadi, S., Shariat, A., Ansari, N., Tavakol, Z., Honarpishe, R., Hakakzadeh, A., Dommerholt, J., Noormohammadpour, P., & Ingle, L. (2020). The Effect of Dry Needling on Lower Limb Dysfunction in Poststroke Survivors. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 29(6), Article 104814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104814

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 16, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Apr 21, 2020
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Mar 17, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 22, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases
• Print ISSN: 1052-3057
• Electronic ISSN: 1532-8511
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: 104814
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104814
• Keywords: Stroke; Spasticity; Deep dry needling; Sham dry needling
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3474854
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1052305720301981
• Related Public URLs: https://www.strokejournal.org/article/S1052-3057(20)30198-1/fulltext