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Shoulder PainEarly Phase 1NCT04170803

Feasibility of Near-infrared Spectroscopy to Measure Cortical Pain Pathway (Brain) Activation During Dry Needling

A Early Phase 1 study testing Dry Needling in people with Shoulder Pain and Chronic Pain, run by Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The benefit experienced by some patients when treated with dry needling,1 combined with the field-expedient nature of this intervention, make dry needling uniquely suited for the military healthcare environment. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 50 years
What is being tested?
Dry Needling
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
18 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
8 Jan 2019to 24 Jul 2020
Phase
Early Phase 1
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • (all of the following) Active duty DoD beneficiary Age 18-50 years old Non-traumatic shoulder pain rated at least 4/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale Right-handed

Who cannot join

  • Anticoagulant medication use Bleeding disorders Shoulder pain referred from cervical spine Full-thickness rotator cuff tears Known pregnancy Inability to lie prone Left- or mixed-handed

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • Army Medical Department Center and Schools, Ft Sam Houston

    San Antonio, Texas, 78234

Other trials in United States

About this study

The benefit experienced by some patients when treated with dry needling,1 combined with the field-expedient nature of this intervention, make dry needling uniquely suited for the military healthcare environment. An improved understanding of the mechanism by which dry needling exerts its clinical benefits will allow clinicians to adopt more efficacious treatment strategies for Soldiers with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The proposed study will utilize functional near-infrared spectroscopy and structural health monitoring (SHM) to provide insight on the central and peripheral mechanisms of dry needling. Phase 1 will compare the cortical pain pathway response of thirty participants with non-traumatic shoulder pain receiving either true or sham dry needling. An additional 15 participants will be enrolled to receive true dry needling to determine if brain responses may be able to predict clinical improvement (responders versus non-responders) in phase 2. Since chronic pain after musculoskeletal injury is the leading cause of medical discharge from service and a primary source of disability in the U.S. military2,3, improved complementary and alternative treatment strategies have the potential to have a large impact on both military readiness and health care costs within the Armed Forces.

Read the detailed description

This study supports a line of ongoing investigation aimed at improving the diagnosis, management, and treatment of chronic pain after musculoskeletal injury. Continued progress in this arena requires novel methods to measure central nervous system (brain) mechanism of action and its role in identification of the unique transition of musculoskeletal injury to chronic pain. The purpose of this study is to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure changes along cortical pain pathways in the brain related to true and sham dry needling treatment.

Specific Aim #1: The investigators will compare the cortical pain pathway response during dry needling treatment to sham dry needling treatment using NIRS in two groups of patients with chronic shoulder pain.

The investigators hypothesize that decreased cortical activity will be seen in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in those treated with true dry needling compared to those treated with sham dry needling.

Specific Aim #2: The investigators will evaluate whether the cortical pain pathway response (imaged using NIRS) during dry needling predicts 1-week improvement in shoulder muscle response, local hypoalgesia, and self-reported pain and disability in the group of patients that received true dry needling treatment. The investigators hypothesize that decreased cortical activity in the DLPFC will be associated with improvements in shoulder muscle response, local hypoalgesia, and self-reported pain and disability in those treated with true dry needling.

Being tested
Dry Needling, Sham Dry Needling
Keywords
Chronic Pain, Musculoskeletal Injury, Functional near-infrared spectroscopy, Structural health monitoring, Dry needling
Medical subject headings
Shoulder Pain, Chronic Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Dry NeedlingDevice

    Also called Trigger point dry needling, functional dry needling

    The participant will undergo true or sham dry needling treatment with simultaneous monitoring using the NIRS head cap.

  • Sham Dry NeedlingOther

    Also called Placebo Treatment

    The participant randomized to the "sham" group will undergo placebo dry needling which is functionally mimicking trigger point dry needling

Study groups in NCT04170803
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
True Dry NeedlingExperimentalActive duty DoD beneficiaries, with shoulder pain will be recruited from Army Medical Department Center and School (AMEDDC\&S) and the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic who meet inclusion and exclusion criteria. The TDN treatment will consist of a trained investigator inserting a needle through the participant's skin, into the infraspinatus muscle using FDA approved (FDA regulation # 880.5580) disposable 0.25 x 40 mm stainless steel Seirin J-type needles (Seirin, Japan). Each shoulder will undergo this treatment. Each needle insertion will last approximately 2-3 seconds using the "sparrow pecking" (in and out) technique to the depth of the scapula at 3 locations in the infraspinatus muscle on the affected (painful) side. When detectable, the needle insertion will specifically target palpably painful and/or "taut" bands of tissue. Immediately after use, all needles will be disposed of in approved sharps containers.
Receives: Device: Dry Needling
Sham Dry NeedlingSham comparatorThe sham dry-needling procedure will mimic the dry needling procedures by placing a blunted instrument in a needling guide tube against the skin. The sharp object will be rocked and twisted to simulate treatment, but will not pierce the skin. We have used this sham dry-needling technique in previous studies performed at AMEDDC\&S and have found it to be indistinguishable from real dry needling by the great majority of participants..
Receives: Other: Sham Dry Needling

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

    NIRS is a technology that uses low levels (less than 4mW/mm2 at 800nm) of non-ionizing, near-infrared, diffuse light to measure spectroscopic absorption changes. It will be used to non-invasively measures hemodynamic changes in the brain. An 8-channel NIRS instrument will be used to measure changes in the intensity of visible red to near-infrared light (760 and 850 nm) between sources and detectors that are placed on the scalp. Changes in intensity will be converted to optical density (absorption) and then the modified Beer-Lambert law will be applied to convert the data from optical density to change in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentration.

    Measured: Pre-, During intervention (real-time for approximately 3-5 minutes), directly after intervention, 1 week after intervention

  2. Change in Muscle Stiffness using the MyotonPro

    the MyotonPRO, a research only device, (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) by applying a mechanical impulse to the skin, which is transmitted to the underlying soft tissue and muscle (0.58 N for 15 ms). 33 The oscillation of the muscle is recorded by an accelerometer located at the probe end. Measures will be taken at the same three locations in each infraspinatus muscle as the dry needling.

    Measured: Pre-, directly after intervention, and 1 week after intervention

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Movement test

    The Hawkins-Kennedy Test - shoulder flexion and internal rotation

    Measured: Pre-, directly after intervention, and 1 week after intervention

  2. Change in Pain Pressure Threshold

    is the minimal amount of pressure that produces pain and is used to assess abnormalities in nociceptive processing or hyperalgisia.34 We will use a digital pressure algometer (Wagner Force 25 FDX, Wagner Instruments, Greenwich, CT) to measure PPT, and will operationally define it as the minimal amount of pressure that produces pain or discomfort. Pressure algometry has been found to be highly reliable, especially when using the same rater (ICC=0.94-.097)

    Measured: Pre-, directly after intervention, and 1 week after intervention

  3. The Global Rate of Change Score

    The GRC assesses subjective perception of overall change on a 15-point Likert type scale ranging from 1 (very great deal worse) to 15 (a very great deal better).38

    Measured: directly after intervention and 1 week after intervention

  4. Change in Numerical Pain Rating Scale

    will also be used to quantify clinical changes in pain. Pain during a comparable sign39 will be additionally assessed at baseline, immediately after needling, and during the follow up visit. Participants will report a simple physical maneuver that could reproduce their primary shoulder symptoms, such as shoulder flexion with internal rotation or the Hawkins-Kennedy test. Participants will then be asked to perform this maneuver and report their pain intensity using an 11-point NPRS from 0 to 10. Previous work has reported the MCID of the NPRS in patients with shoulder pain to be 1.1 points.

    Measured: Pre-, directly after intervention, and 1 week after intervention

  5. Pain and Shoulder Disability - The Penn Shoulder Score

    : The Penn Shoulder Score will be used as the primary measure of clinical outcome. This 100-point shoulder-specific self-report questionnaire consists of 3 subscales of pain, satisfaction, and function. A maximum score of 100 indicates no disability, no pain, and high satisfaction with the function of the shoulder. When aggregated, the questionnaire has demonstrated high test-retest reliability (ICC=0.94), internally consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.93), and responsiveness in patients with shoulder pain. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for improvement has been reported at 11.4 points.37

    Measured: Pre-,directly after intervention, and 1 week after intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted20 Nov 2019
  2. Study start8 Jan 2019
  3. Primary completion9 Jul 2019
  4. Study completion24 Jul 2020

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Early Phase 1
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study will be a randomized controlled trial. A convenience sample will be recruited from the Army Medical Department Center and School and the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic using fliers and word of mouth. A computer-generated table of random numbers will be used to accomplish the group assignment. Thirty participants with shoulder pain will be randomized to receive either true or sham dry needling (Aim #1). An additional 15 participants will be recruited to receive true dry needling (Aim #2). Pre- and post-treatment and 1-week follow-up measurements will be recorded using the MyotonPRO and NIRS, in addition to measures of local hypoalgesia and self-reported pain and disability.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
18 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04170803
Sponsor's protocol ID
C.2018.057d
Other IDs
40037-0010-0001-0208
Status last verified
Jul 2020
First submitted
9 Jan 2019
Last updated
28 Jul 2020
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Lincoln AE, Smith GS, Amoroso PJ, Bell NS. The natural history and risk factors of musculoskeletal conditions resulting in disability among US Army personnel. Work. 2002;18(2):99-113.

    PubMed 12441574
  • Koppenhaver SL, Walker MJ, Smith RW, Booker JM, Walkup ID, Su J, Hebert JJ, Flynn T. Baseline Examination Factors Associated With Clinical Improvement After Dry Needling in Individuals With Low Back Pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Aug;45(8):604-12. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2015.5801. Epub 2015 Jun 25.

    PubMed 26110549
  • Songer TJ, LaPorte RE. Disabilities due to injury in the military. Am J Prev Med. 2000 Apr;18(3 Suppl):33-40. doi: 10.1016/s0749-3797(00)00107-0.

    PubMed 10736539
  • Belmont PJ Jr, Goodman GP, Waterman B, DeZee K, Burks R, Owens BD. Disease and nonbattle injuries sustained by a U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mil Med. 2010 Jul;175(7):469-76. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00041.

    PubMed 20684449
  • Galanter M, Dermatis H, Sampson C. Narcotics anonymous: a comparison of military veterans and non-veterans. J Addict Dis. 2014;33(3):187-95. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2014.950031.

    PubMed 25115224
  • Vanderlip ER, Sullivan MD, Edlund MJ, Martin BC, Fortney J, Austen M, Williams JS, Hudson T. National study of discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy among veterans. Pain. 2014 Dec;155(12):2673-2679. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.09.034. Epub 2014 Sep 30.

    PubMed 25277462
  • Mosher HJ, Krebs EE, Carrel M, Kaboli PJ, Weg MW, Lund BC. Trends in prevalent and incident opioid receipt: an observational study in Veterans Health Administration 2004-2012. J Gen Intern Med. 2015 May;30(5):597-604. doi: 10.1007/s11606-014-3143-z. Epub 2014 Dec 18.

    PubMed 25519224
  • Jonas WB, Schoomaker EB. Pain and opioids in the military: we must do better. JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Aug;174(8):1402-3. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.2114. No abstract available.

    PubMed 24978149
  • Petri RP Jr. Integrative Health and Healing as the New Health Care Paradigm for the Military. Med Acupunct. 2015 Oct 1;27(5):301-308. doi: 10.1089/acu.2014.1068.

    PubMed 26543516
  • Thomas DA, Maslin B, Legler A, Springer E, Asgerally A, Vadivelu N. Role of Alternative Therapies for Chronic Pain Syndromes. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2016 May;20(5):29. doi: 10.1007/s11916-016-0562-z.

    PubMed 27038968
  • Clarke TC, Black LI, Stussman BJ, Barnes PM, Nahin RL. Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002-2012. Natl Health Stat Report. 2015 Feb 10;(79):1-16.

    PubMed 25671660
  • Sherman KJ, Cherkin DC, Eisenberg DM, Erro J, Hrbek A, Deyo RA. The practice of acupuncture: who are the providers and what do they do? Ann Fam Med. 2005 Mar-Apr;3(2):151-8. doi: 10.1370/afm.248.

    PubMed 15798042
  • Cummings TM, White AR. Needling therapies in the management of myofascial trigger point pain: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001 Jul;82(7):986-92. doi: 10.1053/apmr.2001.24023.

    PubMed 11441390
  • Boyles R, Fowler R, Ramsey D, Burrows E. Effectiveness of trigger point dry needling for multiple body regions: a systematic review. J Man Manip Ther. 2015 Dec;23(5):276-93. doi: 10.1179/2042618615Y.0000000014.

    PubMed 26955257
  • Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, Ye G, Bo CZ, Chen MJ, Li P. Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial trigger points associated with neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015 May;96(5):944-55. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2014.12.015. Epub 2015 Jan 7.

    PubMed 25576642

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Early Phase 1 study testing Dry Needling in people with Shoulder Pain and Chronic Pain, run by Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jul 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Early Phase 1 (sometimes called Phase 0) studies give a very small amount of a treatment to a few people, mainly to see how the body handles it.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (time frame: Pre-, During intervention (real-time for approximately 3-5 minutes), directly after intervention, 1 week after intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04170803, which also lists 26 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Jul 2020.

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