Latent myofascial trigger points in gluteus medius Musculoskeletal Diseases
Conditions
Interventions
All participants will be randomly assigned one of the treatments and will not know which treatment they are receiving (single-blinded):
1. Dry needling (intra-muscular stimulation)
2. Placebo dry nee
Sponsors
Institute of Technology Carlow
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Participants meet inclusion criteria if they: 1. Are a male, third level student of the Institute of Technology Carlow 2. Are aged between 18 and 45 years 3. At the time of testing, are participating in a multi-directional jump-sport including but not limited to; gaelic football, hurling, soccer, volleyball, basketball, handball more than 3 times per week 3. Have, as identified in a formal screening session; between 2 and 5 latent myofascial trigger points present in their self-reported preferred jumping leg
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Participants will be excluded if they: 1. Have, at the time of testing, any injury to the lower limb or low back. Injury is defined as "any injury that prevents a player from taking a full part in all training and match play activities” (Brooks et al. 2005) 2. Present with signs of or report during screening process, any neurological or bleeding disorders 3. Have a needle phobia or aicmophobia
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Measured before, immediately after and 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after the treatment: 1. Hip abduction strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction), measured using a portable strain gauge (hand-held dynamometer) 2. Hip internal rotation strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction), measured using a portable strain gauge (hand-held dynamometer) 3. Hip external rotation strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction), measured using a portable strain gauge (hand-held dynamometer) 4. Single-leg time to stabilisation, recorded on a force plate | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The secondary outcome measures will be qualitative by nature and obtained through semi-structured interviews upon the completion of each of the follow-up measurements of stability (immediately post treatment, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days post treatment). All interviews will be conducted in private by a single interviewer and will be audio recorded for thematic analysis at a later date in order to give greater depth as to the effects dry needling may have on sporting performance. 1. Perceived stability 2. Perceived ability to perform in their given sport 3. Confidence in ability to perform 4. Local soreness (VAS) | — |
Countries
Ireland
Outcome results
None listed