Effectiveness of Deep Dry Needling vs Ischemic Compression in the Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Shortened Triceps Surae from Triathletes on Ankle Dorsiflexion, Dynamic, and Static Plantar Pressure Distribution: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective To determine the immediate efficacy of a single session of deep dry needling (DDN) vs ischemic compression (ICT) in a latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) of the shortened triceps surae from triathletes for ankle dorsiflexion and redistribution of plantar pressures and stability. Design A randomized simple blind clinical trial (NCT03273985). Setting An outpatient clinic. Subjects Thirty-four triathletes with a latent MTrP in the shortened gastrocnemius. Methods Triathletes were randomized to receive a single session of DDN (N = 17) or ICT (N = 17) in a latent MTrP of the shortened triceps surae. The primary outcome was ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) by a universal goniometer. Secondary objectives were distribution of dynamic and static plantar pressures by T-Plate platform pressure, with measurements both before and after five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes of treatment. Results There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) for ankle dorsiflexion ROM or dynamic and static plantar pressures between the experimental group treated with DDN and the control group treated with ICT before and after treatment. Conclusions DDN vs ICT carried out in latent MTrPs of the shortened gastrocnemius of triathletes did not present differences in terms of dorsiflexion ROM of the tibiofibular-talar joint or in static and dynamic plantar pressure changes before and immediately after treatment.

Effects of Acupuncture on Delayed‐Onset Muscle Soreness: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

“…Among these 34 studies, 14 articles researched other nontraditional types of acupuncture or interventions in traditional Chinese medicine, and five articles used acupuncture before DOMS in an experimental group were excluded. Finally, 15 studies about acupuncture for DOMS were reviewed (Figure 1) [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. e studies included seven English and three non-English articles.…”

“…However, Barlas et al [28] applied needles to acupuncture points for one group and to tender points (Ah-Shi acupuncture points) for another group. Benito-de-Pedro et al and Martín-Pintado-Zugasti et al used dry needling on tender points via the Ah-Shi acupuncture point procedure for DOMS [18,20]. Itoh et al [25] applied needles on tender points via the Ah-Shi acupuncture point procedure, which is based on clinical acupuncture manipulation.…”

“…Thermographic measurement was performed with a thermographic camera to assess skin temperature and blood circulation, originated by autonomic nervous system stimulation [ 18 ]. Psychological factors, such fear and anxiety for pain or kinesiophobia, on the outcomes of acupuncture for DOMS were also measured by psychological questionnaires [ 20 ].…”

“…Joint motion and muscle strength were also improved during acupuncture treatment sessions, but there were no significant differences [19,26,28,31]. Four of the included articles had found that PPT in the acupuncture group was significantly improved compared to sham or control groups (P < 0.05) [18,23,29,31]. But, in the four articles, the outcomes on PPT did improve significantly (P > 0.05) [17,19,26,28].…”

“…Assessments Assessment times Outcomes Cardoso et al (2020) [17] VAS, PPT Pre-post acupuncture, day 1 Significant decrease in VAS at postacupuncture among the groups * Benito-de-Pedro et al (2020) [18] PPT, thermographic measurement Pre-post acupuncture Improved PPT at postacupuncture * A significant difference in PPT between the groups Fleckenstein et al (2016) [19] VAS A significant improvement in muscle strength at day 3 and in PPT at day 2 between the groups * No significant differences in the levels of serum creatine kinase between the groups * P < 0.05, comparison between group differences.…”