Description Module
The Description Module contains narrative descriptions of the clinical trial, including a brief summary and detailed description. These descriptions provide important information about the study's purpose, methodology, and key details in language accessible to both researchers and the general public.
Description Module path is as follows:
Study -> Protocol Section -> Description Module
Description Module
Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-25 @ 1:43 AM
Ignite Modification Date:
2025-12-25 @ 1:43 AM
NCT ID:
NCT04403594
Brief Summary:
Investigators will use muscular dry needling in the calf of one lower extremity, followed by treadmill training with functional electrical stimulation.
Detailed Description:
This study will be the first to combine a novel two-pronged approach to the management of spasticity (tightness of the muscle) in the calf muscles. First, investigators will decrease spasticity in an innovative way through dry needling. Second, investigators will follow this spasticity reduction technique using external electrical stimulation applied to the calf, while the participant walks on a harnessed treadmill (for safety). The investigators believe modulating tone in the calf with dry needling will allow for improved strength with electrical stimulation, while simultaneously improving the efficiency of the muscles during walking. The investigators hypothesize that decreasing spasticity will result in enhanced gait efficiency, and lower fatigue, all while allowing the participant to meet their personal mobility goals.10 The investigators are proposing an innovative study design. Assessing changes in muscle spasticity using electromyography and the Modified Ashworth scale before and after each portion of our two-pronged intervention will enable them to understand the immediate effects of dry needling, as well as the combined effects of function electrical stimulation with with treadmill training. Following the intervention assessments with pre-post functional tests will allow us to determine long term changes. This proposal offers a unique approach to management of spasticity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), with the advantage of being minimally invasive and inexpensive. Results of this pilot study will inform the potential use in MS, and will allow for a larger study examining optimal intervention parameters for future use.
Study:
NCT04403594
Study Brief:
Protocol Section:
NCT04403594