The Effects of Dry Needling on Gait and Balance in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Quasi-experimental Study
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Abstract
Introduction: Spasticity is one of the most disabling symptoms affecting patients with multiple sclerosis and may lead to gait and balance problems. Although dry needling (DN) effectively decreases spasticity and improves gait in patients with different neurological conditions, the effect of DN on the static and dynamic balance hasn´t been researched yet. This study aimed to assess the effects of DN on gait and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Material and methods: A quasi-experimental before-after survey was designed. Patients received three monthly DN sessions for 2 months in the gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles. Participants were assessed at baseline and after the 6 DN sessions (month 2).
Results: Twenty patients with multiple sclerosis participated in the study. DN had a positive impact on balance, measured with the Tinetti test just after the treatment completion (6 sessions) (p=0.004).
Conclusion: A protocol of 6 DN sessions in the knee and ankle flexor spastic muscles in patients with MS seems to have a positive effect on balance.
Keywords
- multiple sclerosis
- spasticity
- dry needling
- gait
- balance
- physiotherapy
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