Dry Needling TechniqueDRYNEEDNCT07672093
Effects of Dry Needling on Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Extensor Digitorum Communis
A study testing Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling, Rotational dry needling and Bipolar electrical dry needling in people with Dry Needling Technique and Trigger Point Pain, run by University Rovira i Virgili at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
This randomized single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Dry Needling Technique, Trigger Point Pain, Physical Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling, Rotational dry needling and Bipolar electrical dry needling
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 150 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2026to 15 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 to 40 years.
- Healthy participants with a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm.
- No pathology affecting the upper limb where the intervention will be applied.
- No episode of pain in the upper limb during at least the previous two months.
- No contraindications to dry needling or electrical dry needling techniques.
- Voluntary signature of the informed consent form.
- Willingness to follow the protocol proposed by the research team.
Who cannot join
- Needle phobia.
- Coagulation disorders.
- Pregnancy.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Altered skin integrity in the treatment area.
- Epilepsy.
Show all 10Show fewer
- Local or systemic infection.
- Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting pain perception or neuromuscular function in the region of interest, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathies.
- Generalized chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
- Weekly use of analgesic medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, or other pain-relieving medication.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut
Reus, Tarragona, 43203
Tania López Hernández, Phd, 34+620438175, tania.lopez@urv.cat
About this study
Official title: Effects of Dry Needling and Electrical Dry Needling on Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Extensor Digitorum Communis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
This randomized single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults.
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of five groups: a control group, a Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, a rotational dry needling group, a bipolar electrical dry needling group, or a monopolar electrical dry needling group. The main outcomes will be post-needling soreness intensity and duration. Secondary outcomes will include pain during the needling procedure, pressure pain threshold assessed by algometry, handgrip strength, range of motion of finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion, perceived comfort during the intervention, and perceived interference of post-needling soreness with daily activities.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, 5 minutes after the intervention, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention.
Read the detailed description
Myofascial trigger points are hyperirritable spots located within a taut band of skeletal muscle. Latent myofascial trigger points do not cause spontaneous pain but may contribute to motor dysfunction, increased fatigability, reduced range of motion, and altered muscle performance. Dry needling is a commonly used physiotherapy technique for the treatment of myofascial trigger points. However, post-needling soreness is one of the most frequent adverse effects associated with this intervention and may influence patient comfort, adherence, and functional performance in the hours following treatment.
Electrical dry needling, also known as intramuscular electrical stimulation, combines dry needling with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied through the inserted needle. Different modalities of electrical dry needling are used in clinical practice, including bipolar and monopolar applications. Nevertheless, limited evidence is available regarding the effect of these techniques on post-needling soreness, particularly when short-duration monopolar stimulation is applied using a pointer-type device.
The aim of this randomized single-blind clinical trial is to compare the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults. The primary objective is to compare the effect of electrical dry needling versus Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling on the intensity and duration of post-needling soreness. Secondary objectives include comparing post-needling soreness among the different dry needling techniques, analyzing immediate changes in handgrip strength, assessing changes in finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion range of motion, evaluating pain during the needling procedure, assessing pressure pain threshold by algometry, and analyzing perceived comfort and interference of post-needling soreness with daily activities.
Healthy adults with a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of five groups: control group, Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, rotational dry needling group, bipolar electrical dry needling group, or monopolar electrical dry needling group. Participants in the control group will not receive any dry needling intervention but will undergo the same assessment schedule as the intervention groups.
In the Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point and repeated fast-in and fast-out movements will be performed. In the rotational dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point and a rotational dry needling technique will be applied according to the study protocol. In the bipolar electrical dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point, an adhesive electrode will be placed near the needle, and a TENS current will be applied for 15 minutes. In the monopolar electrical dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point and stimulation will be applied using a Pointer Plus Excel-II device for 3 minutes.
Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline and 5 minutes after the intervention. Post-needling soreness intensity and duration will also be recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention. The study will use separated roles for recruitment, assessment, intervention delivery, and data analysis in order to reduce bias. Outcome assessors and the researcher responsible for data analysis will be blinded to group allocation.
- Conditions
- Dry Needling Technique, Trigger Point Pain, Physical Therapy
- Being tested
- Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling, Rotational dry needling, Bipolar electrical dry needling, Monopolar electrical dry needling
- Keywords
- dry needling, latent trigger point, physical therapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needlingOther
The skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once the needle has reached the trigger point, 10 fast-in and fast-out movements will be performed. The number of local twitch responses will be recorded.
Rotational dry needlingOther
The skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once the needle has reached the trigger point, the rotational dry needling technique will be applied according to the predefined study protocol.
Bipolar electrical dry needlingOther
The skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once a local twitch response has been obtained, the needle will remain inserted and will act as the negative pole. An adhesive electrode connected to the positive pole will be placed approximately one centimeter from the needle. A TENS current will be applied for 15 minutes at a frequency of 2 Hz and a pulse width of 120 milliseconds. The intensity will be increased until visible, non-painful contractions of the extensor digitorum muscle are achieved.
Monopolar electrical dry needlingOther
The skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once a local twitch response has been obtained, the needle will remain inserted in the trigger point. The metallic tip of the Pointer Plus Excel-II device will be placed in contact with the needle, and a TENS current will be applied for 3 minutes at a frequency of 2 Hz and a pulse width of 220 milliseconds. The intensity will be increased until visible, non-painful contractions of the extensor digitorum muscle are achieved.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| No Intervention: Control Group | No intervention | Participants allocated to the control group will not receive any dry needling or electrical dry needling intervention. Outcome variables will be recorded following the same assessment schedule as in the intervention groups. |
| Experimental: Hong Fast-In and Fast-Out Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Participants allocated to this group will receive dry needling using the fast-in and fast-out technique described by Hong, applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. Receives: Other: Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling |
| Experimental: Rotational Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Participants allocated to this group will receive dry needling using a rotational technique applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. Receives: Other: Rotational dry needling |
| Experimental: Bipolar Electrical Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Participants allocated to this group will receive bipolar electrical dry needling applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. Receives: Other: Bipolar electrical dry needling |
| Experimental: Monopolar Electrical Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Participants allocated to this group will receive monopolar electrical dry needling using a Pointer device, applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. Receives: Other: Monopolar electrical dry needling |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Post-needling soreness intensity
Post-needling soreness intensity will be assessed using a numerical pain rating scale. Participants will rate the intensity of local soreness perceived in the needling area, clearly differentiated from any other type of pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
Measured: 1 week
Secondary outcomes (5)
Duration of post-needling soreness
The duration of post-needling soreness will be recorded in hours, from the moment of onset until complete disappearance, based on participant self-report during the 24-, 48-, and 72-hour follow-up assessments.
Measured: 1 week
Pain during needling
Pain perceived during the application of the dry needling or electrical dry needling technique will be assessed using a numerical pain rating scale. Participants will be asked to report the intensity of pain experienced during the procedure.
Measured: Immediately after the intervention
Pressure pain threshold
Pressure pain threshold will be assessed using pressure algometry over the treated region. The value will be recorded as the minimum pressure that induces the first sensation of pain.
Measured: 1 week
Handgrip strength
Handgrip strength will be assessed using a hand dynamometer and recorded in kilograms. Measurements will be performed at baseline, 5 minutes after the intervention, and 1 week after the intervention.
Measured: 1 week
Range of motion of finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion
Range of motion of finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion will be assessed using a two-arm goniometer and recorded in degrees.
Measured: 1 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2026
- Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Dry Needling TechniqueStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University Rovira i Virgili
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Tania López Hernández, University Rovira i Virgili
- Investigators
- Tania López Hernández, Principal investigator, Unviersitat Rovira i Virgili
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07672093
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 06/2026
- Acronym
- DRYNEED
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Gallagher EJ, Liebman M, Bijur PE. Prospective validation of clinically important changes in pain severity measured on a visual analog scale. Ann Emerg Med. 2001 Dec;38(6):633-8. doi: 10.1067/mem.2001.118863.
PubMed 11719741Kalichman L, Vulfsons S. Dry needling in the management of musculoskeletal pain. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010 Sep-Oct;23(5):640-6. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2010.05.090296.
PubMed 20823359Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Dommerholt J. International Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Considerations of Myofascial Trigger Points: A Delphi Study. Pain Med. 2018 Jan 1;19(1):142-150. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnx207.
PubMed 29025044Perreault T, Ball A, Dommerholt J, Theiss R, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Butts R. Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation to Trigger Points: Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Applications-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Oct 13;11(20):6039. doi: 10.3390/jcm11206039.
PubMed 36294360Leon-Hernandez JV, Martin-Pintado-Zugasti A, Frutos LG, Alguacil-Diego IM, de la Llave-Rincon AI, Fernandez-Carnero J. Immediate and short-term effects of the combination of dry needling and percutaneous TENS on post-needling soreness in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain. Braz J Phys Ther. 2016 Jul 11;20(5):422-431. doi: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0176.
PubMed 27410163Martin-Pintado-Zugasti A, Mayoral Del Moral O, Gerwin RD, Fernandez-Carnero J. Post-needling soreness after myofascial trigger point dry needling: Current status and future research. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Oct;22(4):941-946. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Jan 17.
PubMed 30368339Brady S, McEvoy J, Dommerholt J, Doody C. Adverse events following trigger point dry needling: a prospective survey of chartered physiotherapists. J Man Manip Ther. 2014 Aug;22(3):134-40. doi: 10.1179/2042618613Y.0000000044.
PubMed 25125935Hong CZ. Lidocaine injection versus dry needling to myofascial trigger point. The importance of the local twitch response. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1994 Jul-Aug;73(4):256-63. doi: 10.1097/00002060-199407000-00006.
PubMed 8043247
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Dry Needling and Electrical Dry Needling on Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Extensor Digitorum Communis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07672093
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DRYNEED / 06/2026
- Conditions
- Dry Needling Technique, Trigger Point Pain, Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- dry needling, latent trigger point, physical therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University Rovira i VirgiliUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults.
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of five groups: a control group, a Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, a rotational dry needling group, a bipolar electrical dry needling group, or a monopolar electrical dry needling group. The main outcomes will be post-needling soreness intensity and duration. Secondary outcomes will include pain during the needling procedure, pressure pain threshold assessed by algometry, handgrip strength, range of motion of finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion, perceived comfort during the intervention, and perceived interference of post-needling soreness with daily activities.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, 5 minutes after the intervention, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention.
Detailed description
Myofascial trigger points are hyperirritable spots located within a taut band of skeletal muscle. Latent myofascial trigger points do not cause spontaneous pain but may contribute to motor dysfunction, increased fatigability, reduced range of motion, and altered muscle performance. Dry needling is a commonly used physiotherapy technique for the treatment of myofascial trigger points. However, post-needling soreness is one of the most frequent adverse effects associated with this intervention and may influence patient comfort, adherence, and functional performance in the hours following treatment.
Electrical dry needling, also known as intramuscular electrical stimulation, combines dry needling with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied through the inserted needle. Different modalities of electrical dry needling are used in clinical practice, including bipolar and monopolar applications. Nevertheless, limited evidence is available regarding the effect of these techniques on post-needling soreness, particularly when short-duration monopolar stimulation is applied using a pointer-type device.
The aim of this randomized single-blind clinical trial is to compare the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults. The primary objective is to compare the effect of electrical dry needling versus Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling on the intensity and duration of post-needling soreness. Secondary objectives include comparing post-needling soreness among the different dry needling techniques, analyzing immediate changes in handgrip strength, assessing changes in finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion range of motion, evaluating pain during the needling procedure, assessing pressure pain threshold by algometry, and analyzing perceived comfort and interference of post-needling soreness with daily activities.
Healthy adults with a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of five groups: control group, Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, rotational dry needling group, bipolar electrical dry needling group, or monopolar electrical dry needling group. Participants in the control group will not receive any dry needling intervention but will undergo the same assessment schedule as the intervention groups.
In the Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point and repeated fast-in and fast-out movements will be performed. In the rotational dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point and a rotational dry needling technique will be applied according to the study protocol. In the bipolar electrical dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point, an adhesive electrode will be placed near the needle, and a TENS current will be applied for 15 minutes. In the monopolar electrical dry needling group, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point and stimulation will be applied using a Pointer Plus Excel-II device for 3 minutes.
Outcome assessments will be performed at baseline and 5 minutes after the intervention. Post-needling soreness intensity and duration will also be recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention. The study will use separated roles for recruitment, assessment, intervention delivery, and data analysis in order to reduce bias. Outcome assessors and the researcher responsible for data analysis will be blinded to group allocation.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 5
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| No Intervention: Control Group | No intervention | –Participants allocated to the control group will not receive any dry needling or electrical dry needling intervention. Outcome variables will be recorded following the same assessment schedule as in the intervention groups. |
| Experimental: Hong Fast-In and Fast-Out Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Other: Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needlingParticipants allocated to this group will receive dry needling using the fast-in and fast-out technique described by Hong, applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. |
| Experimental: Rotational Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Other: Rotational dry needlingParticipants allocated to this group will receive dry needling using a rotational technique applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. |
| Experimental: Bipolar Electrical Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Other: Bipolar electrical dry needlingParticipants allocated to this group will receive bipolar electrical dry needling applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. |
| Experimental: Monopolar Electrical Dry Needling Group | Experimental | Other: Monopolar electrical dry needlingParticipants allocated to this group will receive monopolar electrical dry needling using a Pointer device, applied to a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Adults aged 18 to 40 years.
- Healthy participants with a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm.
- No pathology affecting the upper limb where the intervention will be applied.
- No episode of pain in the upper limb during at least the previous two months.
- No contraindications to dry needling or electrical dry needling techniques.
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Needle phobia.
- Coagulation disorders.
- Pregnancy.
- Thyroid disorders.
- Altered skin integrity in the treatment area.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needlingThe skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once the needle has reached the trigger point, 10 fast-in and fast-out movements will be performed. The number of local twitch responses will be recorded. | Other | Experimental: Hong Fast-In and Fast-Out Dry Needling Group |
| Rotational dry needlingThe skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once the needle has reached the trigger point, the rotational dry needling technique will be applied according to the predefined study protocol. | Other | Experimental: Rotational Dry Needling Group |
| Bipolar electrical dry needlingThe skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once a local twitch response has been obtained, the needle will remain inserted and will act as the negative pole. An adhesive electrode connected to the positive pole will be placed approximately one centimeter from the needle. A TENS current will be applied for 15 minutes at a frequency of 2 Hz and a pulse width of 120 milliseconds. The intensity will be increased until visible, non-painful contractions of the extensor digitorum muscle are achieved. | Other | Experimental: Bipolar Electrical Dry Needling Group |
| Monopolar electrical dry needlingThe skin will be disinfected with 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine. With the participant in supine position, a sterile needle will be inserted into the latent myofascial trigger point of the extensor digitorum muscle. Once a local twitch response has been obtained, the needle will remain inserted in the trigger point. The metallic tip of the Pointer Plus Excel-II device will be placed in contact with the needle, and a TENS current will be applied for 3 minutes at a frequency of 2 Hz and a pulse width of 220 milliseconds. The intensity will be increased until visible, non-painful contractions of the extensor digitorum muscle are achieved. | Other | Experimental: Monopolar Electrical Dry Needling Group |
Primary outcome
Post-needling soreness intensity
Time frame: 1 week
Post-needling soreness intensity will be assessed using a numerical pain rating scale. Participants will rate the intensity of local soreness perceived in the needling area, clearly differentiated from any other type of pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.
5 secondary outcomes
Duration of post-needling soreness
Time frame: 1 week
Pain during needling
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention
Pressure pain threshold
Time frame: 1 week
Handgrip strength
Time frame: 1 week
Range of motion of finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion
Time frame: 1 week
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 11719741Gallagher EJ, Liebman M, Bijur PE. Prospective validation of clinically important changes in pain severity measured on a visual analog scale. Ann Emerg Med. 2001 Dec;38(6):633-8. doi: 10.1067/mem.2001.118863.
- Background: PubMed 20823359Kalichman L, Vulfsons S. Dry needling in the management of musculoskeletal pain. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010 Sep-Oct;23(5):640-6. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2010.05.090296.
- Background: PubMed 29025044Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Dommerholt J. International Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Considerations of Myofascial Trigger Points: A Delphi Study. Pain Med. 2018 Jan 1;19(1):142-150. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnx207.
- Background: PubMed 36294360Perreault T, Ball A, Dommerholt J, Theiss R, Fernandez-de-Las-Penas C, Butts R. Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation to Trigger Points: Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Applications-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Oct 13;11(20):6039. doi: 10.3390/jcm11206039.
- Background: PubMed 27410163Leon-Hernandez JV, Martin-Pintado-Zugasti A, Frutos LG, Alguacil-Diego IM, de la Llave-Rincon AI, Fernandez-Carnero J. Immediate and short-term effects of the combination of dry needling and percutaneous TENS on post-needling soreness in patients with chronic myofascial neck pain. Braz J Phys Ther. 2016 Jul 11;20(5):422-431. doi: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0176.
- Background: PubMed 30368339Martin-Pintado-Zugasti A, Mayoral Del Moral O, Gerwin RD, Fernandez-Carnero J. Post-needling soreness after myofascial trigger point dry needling: Current status and future research. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Oct;22(4):941-946. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2018.01.003. Epub 2018 Jan 17.
- Background: PubMed 25125935Brady S, McEvoy J, Dommerholt J, Doody C. Adverse events following trigger point dry needling: a prospective survey of chartered physiotherapists. J Man Manip Ther. 2014 Aug;22(3):134-40. doi: 10.1179/2042618613Y.0000000044.
- Background: PubMed 8043247Hong CZ. Lidocaine injection versus dry needling to myofascial trigger point. The importance of the local twitch response. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1994 Jul-Aug;73(4):256-63. doi: 10.1097/00002060-199407000-00006.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Tania López Hernández principal investigator
Unviersitat Rovira i Virgili
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling, Rotational dry needling and Bipolar electrical dry needling in people with Dry Needling Technique and Trigger Point Pain, run by University Rovira i Virgili at 1 site in Spain.
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 7 inclusion and 10 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2026. 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 Spain. 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. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Tania López Hernández, Phd (34+620438175, tania.lopez@urv.cat), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Post-needling soreness intensity (time frame: 1 week). 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 NCT07672093, which also lists 8 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 24 Sep 2026.