Overview
This randomised single-blind trial will evaluate the immediate effect of a single session of dry needling versus sham needling on calf muscle myofascial trigger points among amateur football players aged 18-25 years. Primary and secondary outcomes are Pressure Pain Threshold (algometer), Sprint Speed (shuttle run test), and Functional Performance (single-leg hop). Outcomes will be measured immediately pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis will be performed in SPSS version 27 using paired and independent t-tests (p \< 0.05).
Description
A randomised, single-blind, parallel-group trial recruiting amateur club football players (age 18-25) with active myofascial trigger points in gastrocnemius or soleus. Participants randomised (coin toss) into Group A (Dry Needling) or Group B (Sham Needling). Baseline measures: Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) using handheld algometer, ankle dorsiflexion ROM with goniometer, sprint speed via shuttle run, and single-leg hop distance. Intervention: a single session of dry needling (sterile single-use filiform needles 0.25-0.30 mm; needles retained \~10 minutes with fast-in/fast-out pistoning to elicit local twitch response) or a non-penetrating sham procedure mimicking needling. Post-intervention assessments are performed immediately after the session. Data will be analysed with SPSS v.27; paired t-tests for within-group and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons (p \< 0.05).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Amateur football players aged 18-25 years.
Participation in club-level football for at least one year.
Presence of active myofascial trigger point in gastrocnemius or soleus confirmed by palpation.
Willingness to participate and provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of calf muscle tear, fracture, or lower limb surgery.
Current use of muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medication.
Known bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy.
Local infection, skin lesion, or contraindication to dry needling.
Neurological or vascular disorders affecting lower limb function.
