A double-blind randomized controlled trial for the effects of dry needling on upper limb dysfunction in patients with stroke

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

Abstract

Spasticity is one of the main complications of a stroke. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the result of three sessions of dry needling (DN) versus sham DN on the affected upper limbs in post-stroke survivors. We recruited 24 patients (age 57.0 ± 9.6 years; male 71%). Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: a DN group and a sham DN group. The primary outcome measures were the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) and the Box and Block Test (BBT). Secondary outcome measures included active and passive wrist range of motion (AROM and PROM). All assessments were measured at baseline, immediately after the last session of the intervention, and one month later. Patients in the DN group had improved upper limb spasticity and passive wrist range of motion compared to control group (P0.05). Dry needling is a useful method for improving muscle spasticity in the upper limbs of patients with stroke.

Citation

Tavakol, Z., Shariat, A., Ansari, N., Ghannadi, S., Honarpishe, R., Dommerholt, J., …Ingle, L. (2021). A double-blind randomized controlled trial for the effects of dry needling on upper limb dysfunction in patients with stroke. Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research, 45(2-4), 115-124. https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16112663844923

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 4, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 8, 2021
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 8, 2021
• Journal: Acupuncture and Electro-Therapeutics Research
• Print ISSN: 0360-1293
• Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 2-4
• Pages: 115-124
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3727/036012921X16112663844923
• Keywords: Dry needling; Sham dry needling; Spasticity; Stroke
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3701956
• Publisher URL: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/cog/aetr/2021/00000045/f0030002/art00007