Effects of dry needling in gluteus medius muscle in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a randomized single-blinded controlled clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionBackground: Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common musculoskeletal injuries in sport and general population. The goal of the present study was to observe the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) in gluteus medius muscle in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI).Material and methodsA two-arm (1:1), single-blinded (participants), randomized clinical trial was performed in 40 subjects with chronic ankle instability and were divided in two groups: intervention group who received one session of dry needling in the most hyperalgesic gluteus medius myofascial trigger point (MTrP), (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Dynamic balance, pain intensity, pain pressure threshold (PPT) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and a 1-week follow up.ResultsThe experimental group reported significant differences with respect to the control group for the anterior and medial dynamic balance (p = .001), PPT -ATL (p = .002) and ankle dorsiflexion ROM (p = .001).ConclusionsThe findings of the present study suggested that the DN in the most hyperalgesic MTrP of the Gmed muscle may increase the anterior and medial dynamic balance, ankle ROM and PPT-ATL at short-term in individuals with CAI. Pain intensity benefits were reported in both groups. Future studies should consider DN as a possible intervention in conjunction with a physical therapy program for individuals with CAI.