Dry needling: Effects on activation and passive mechanical properties of the quadriceps, pain and range during late stage rehabilitation of ACL reconstructed patients.

BACKGROUND

Dry needling (DN) is reported to decrease pain and improve functional movements yet the mechanisms remain unclear. Changes in muscle tone and other mechanical properties after DN could contribute to these findings but have not been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

Examine EMG and passive mechanical properties of the quadriceps muscle before and after DN.

DESIGN

EMG, MyotonPro and clinical measurements were taken pre and post DN.

SETTING

Rehabilitation department at Aspetar Sports Medicine Hospital, Qatar.

PARTICIPANTS

20 subjects reporting pain and quadriceps muscle tension.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain (VAS, measured during a single leg step down), knee flexion range, and passive mechanical properties of the superficial quadriceps were measured using the MyotonPro device.

RESULTS

Pain decreased (p < 0.01) and ROM increased in flexion (p < 0.001). EMG activity (RMS) was decreased at rest in the Vastus Lateralis (VL (p < 0.05, ES = 0.22). All other sEMG parameters were not significantly different (all p > 0.11, ES = 0.13). Passive mechanical properties were not significantly different in rectus femoris (RF) and VL. Decrement and Resistance of the Vastus Medialis (VM) were significantly decreased (p<0.05, ES>0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

DN resulted in small reductions in: pain, resting activation (EMG of VL), decrement and resistance (of VM).