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.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 21, 2020
Accepted:
March 13,
2020
Received in revised form:
March 9,
2020
Received:
February 22,
2020
Footnotes
This study was supported by Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience institute, Tehran University of medical Sciences.
Identification
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104814
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
