Improves spasticity & range of motion
This systematic review of the scientific literature provides strong evidence that dry needling is an effective treatment to decrease spasticity and increase range of motion (ROM) both of which are potentially beneficial to general mobility and walking.
Importance: This systematic review summarizes existing studies on dry needling for spasticity and range of motion (ROM) and discusses its potential for use as an occupational therapy intervention.
Objective: To examine existing studies on the effects of dry needling on spasticity and ROM.
Data sources: Article citations and abstracts from Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and a university library search.
Study selection and data collection: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used in abstracting data. Peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between January 2007 and June 2019 were searched. Of 270 identified studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Studies were divided into categories on the basis of outcome measures (Modified Modified Ashworth Scale and ROM). Pain outcome measures were excluded because a systematic review addressing this outcome has recently been completed.
Findings: Strong evidence was found to support the use of dry needling to decrease spasticity and increase ROM.
Conclusions and relevance: This systematic review suggests that dry needling is an effective physical agent modality to decrease spasticity and increase ROM, both of which are potentially beneficial to functional outcomes.
What this article adds: This article provides information that may be helpful in determining the appropriateness of dry needling as an occupational therapy intervention.
SOURCE: Am J Occup Ther. Jan-Feb 2021;75(1):7501205030p1-7501205030p13. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2021.041798. PMID: 33399051 Copyright © 2021 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
Effects of Dry Needling on Spasticity and Range of Motion: A Systematic Review
Rachel Bynum 1, Olivia Garcia 2, Emily Herbst 3, Mary Kossa 4, Katrina Liou 5, April Cowan 6, Claudia Hilton 7
1 Rachel Bynum, MOT, OTR, is Graduate, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
2 Olivia Garcia, MOT, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Winter Pediatric Therapy, Houston, TX. At the time of the study, Garcia was Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
3 Emily Herbst, MOT, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Round Rock, TX. At the time of the study, Herbst was Graduate Student, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
4 Mary Kossa, MOT, OTR, is Graduate, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
5 Katrina Liou, MOT, OTR, is Graduate, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
6 April Cowan, OTD, OTR, CHT, is Associate Professor of Instruction, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
7 Claudia Hilton, PhD, MBA, OTR, FAOTA, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston