Short-Term Impact of Dry Needling on Post-Stoke Spasticity and Static Balance: A Pilot Study

Dry Needling (DN) is a therapeutic technique employed to address myofascial trigger points and various pain conditions. There is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of DN in neurological diseases with functional evaluation. This preliminary study looked at how DN affects the spasticity and static balance of the soleus muscle in people who have had a stroke in the past. Objective: To investigate the impact of DN on spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Method: The study took place as an experiment at a Tertiary care hospital. A pilot study was conducted, involving 10 individuals who had experienced a stroke more than 3 months ago. MAS and MTS were used to assess spasticity as outcome measures. The balance is assessed by using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The stroke patients underwent six sessions of DN treatment for the spastic soleus muscle, spanning two weeks. Outcome measures were evaluated again after 2 weeks. Result: There was a notable enhancement observed for all three outcome measures (p<0.05). The individual demonstrated progress from Grade 3 to 1+ in MAS and exhibited a decline in resistance to passive motions involving the plantar flexor muscles. Ankle ranges show a notable enhancement of 12 degrees according to the Tardieu scale. The Berg balance scale score showed a notable gain of 7 points, reflecting a significant enhancement of balance among stroke patients. Conclusion: The application of DN was efficacious in improving spasticity, improving ROM, and enhancing stability maintenance accuracy in stroke patients. The preliminary findings show promise, but additional research is required to confirm the results. Major Findings: Dry needling (DN) over soleus muscle significantly reduced its spasticity. An improvement in static balance in stroke patients was also seen after DN. Major Findings: Dry needling (DN) over soleus muscle significantly reduced its spasticity. An improvement in static balance in stroke patients was also seen after DN.