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The Association between Dry Needling and Muscle Strength among Adult Athletes: A Literature Review
The Association between Dry Needling and Muscle Strength among Adult Athletes: A Literature Review

Board Number:
5
Day and Time:
Tuesday: 10:50-12:05pm
Description:
Background: Muscle strength is essential in successfully performing tasks daily and preventing injuries. In athletes, muscle strength is especially crucial in enhancing sports performance. Athletes with low muscle strength experience increased risk of injury during practice and performance. Dry needling is a treatment modality used by physical therapy to treat myofascial pain by inserting and maneuvering a sterile, thin acupuncture needle into a trigger point to elicit local twitch response. Prior research indicates that dry needling is effective in improving motor function and motor recruitment. However, current research is unclear on its effectiveness on muscle strengthening. Objective: The purpose of this review was to examine the effect of dry needling on muscle strength in adult athletes. Methods: Articles for this literature review were identified through a systematic search of the MEDLINE Complete database. Search terms used in this review include but are not limited to “athletes or sports or athletics” and “dry needling or acupuncture”. All the articles in this review were peer-reviewed original research articles (excluding systematic reviews and meta-analyses), published within 10 years, and available in English. A total of 16 articles were identified, seven of which are used in this review. Results: All seven studies are randomized controlled trials with participants ranging from 16-43 years old. Five studies were conducted on competitive athletes, while two were conducted on amateur athletes. Four studies found a positive association between dry needling and muscle strength, two studies found a negative association, and three studies did not find a significant association. Conclusions: The strengths of this research include strong evidence from seven randomized controlled trials. This review provides insights into how dry needling may be a valuable tool for enhancing athletic performance and preventing injuries. Conclusions can also be applied to broader populations to improve muscle strength. Athletes should consult with a qualified physical therapist or athletic trainer who is trained in this technique before receiving dry needling. Research in the future should focus on how the difference in dosage and frequency of dry needling can impact the outcome.
Faculty Sponsor:
Megan Harvey
Location:
Field House
Presentation Category:
Critical Interpretation Project
Presentation Type:
Poster Presentation
Presenters:
Chun Yip Jonathan Chan
Session:
Posters and Multimedia - Session 2
Year:
Fourth Year
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