Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · Apr 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a treatment called dry needling to see if it can help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who experience muscle tightness, also known as spasticity. Dry needling uses very thin needles to target specific muscles, similar to acupuncture, but it focuses more on relieving muscle stiffness and pain. The researchers want to find out if this treatment can not only reduce muscle tightness but also improve balance and walking abilities, which could lead to better overall mobility for those with MS.

To participate in this study, individuals must be between 18 and 64 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of MS, and experience spasticity in their lower legs. However, certain conditions, like being pregnant or having severe varicose veins, may prevent someone from joining the trial. Participants can expect to receive dry needling treatment and will be closely monitored throughout the study. This trial is currently looking for volunteers, and it offers a potential new way to manage muscle tightness without the use of medications.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 to 64 years
• • Clinical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis based on the McDonald Criteria
• • Spasticity in their lower legs
• • Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score of 5 or below
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to communicate effectively with study personnel
• • Needle phobia
• • Severe varicose veins
• • Presence of an active implanted device
• • Pregnancy
• • Any active cancer or history within 1 year
• • known or suspected infection at the site of needling or in the surrounding area
• • Presence of a fixed plantarflexion contracture at the ankle
• • Acute fracture of dislocation in the region (bilateral lower extremity)
• • Deep vein thrombosis or peripheral vascular disease
• • Thrombophlebitis, or active osteomyelitis in the region (bilateral lower extremity)
• • Any medication changes, including antispastic medicines, for the past three months.