Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis

Description

The investigators are doing this study to see if a treatment called dry needling improves muscle spasticity (muscle tightness) in people who have Multiple Sclerosis. Dry needling involves using tiny needles, like those in acupuncture, to target some muscles, like calf muscles. It differs from traditional acupuncture as it focuses on treating or managing muscle spots, aiming to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Dry needling may offer a minimally-invasive and medication-free approach to improve muscle spasticity. The investigators hope to see if dry needling also helps enhance balance and walking abilities. This might provide potential improvements inoverall mobility and balance.

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis, Spasticity

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The investigators are doing this study to see if a treatment called dry needling improves muscle spasticity (muscle tightness) in people who have Multiple Sclerosis. Dry needling involves using tiny needles, like those in acupuncture, to target some muscles, like calf muscles. It differs from traditional acupuncture as it focuses on treating or managing muscle spots, aiming to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Dry needling may offer a minimally-invasive and medication-free approach to improve muscle spasticity. The investigators hope to see if dry needling also helps enhance balance and walking abilities. This might provide potential improvements inoverall mobility and balance.

The Effectiveness of Dry Needling on Reducing Spasticity and Promoting Mobility and Balance in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis

Condition
Multiple Sclerosis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Kansas City

Mobility and Falls Lab, Kansas City, Kansas, United States, 66103

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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
  • * 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.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 64 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Kansas Medical Center,

Study Record Dates

2025-06-01