Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences (Jul 2023)

Immediate Effect of Functional Dry Needling on the Length of Shortened Hamstring Muscle; A Quasi-Experimental Study

  • Qaisar Ali Khan,
  • Muhammad Affan Iqbal,
  • Rehan Shah,
  • Syed Zain Ul Abidin,
  • Uzair Ahmad

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 02

Abstract

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Background: Functional dry needling (FDN) is a technique, most commonly used by physical therapist for the management of musculoskeletal disorders. Hamstrings are one of the most commonly observed muscles prone to tightness. Functional dry needling (FDN) is considered a novel technique for the treatment of shortened hamstring. Objective: To explore the effects of functional dry needling (FDN) on the length of shortened hamstring muscle & lower extremity functional scale. Methodology: A quasi-experimental single group, Pretest-Posttest clinical design was conducted at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospital, Swat from September 2020 to March 2021. A total of 32 patients whose ages ranged from 18-40 years, had hamstring lengths less than 70O on goniometer during 90-90 SLR test, Subjects with other conditions such as pulled hamstrings, hyper lordosis, and flat back can lead to hamstring shortening were recruited in this study. The data was measured via goniometer, 90-90 SLR test and LEFs (Lower Extremity Functional Scale) before and immediately after treatment. Functional dry needling FDN was applied at certain points on the Biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. Treatment time was kept at 20 sec for each muscle, total treatment time was 1 minute. Results: The male participants with a mean age of 29.59 ± 5.10 years were recruited. The majority of patients whose hamstring tightness was due to pulled hamstring (37.0%) followed by postural flat back (29.6 %), and lumber hyper lordosis (18.5%). The mean ±SD of hamstring length before and after intervention was 73.37 ± 3.99 & 77.93 ± 4.81. However, the mean ± SD of LEFS scores Pre and Post intervention was 54.44 ± 10.25 & 58.30 ± 11.13 respectively. A significant difference was observed in both Hamstring Length and in LEFS scores between pre- and post-study with a P=0.001 (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that functional DN may increase the hamstring length and enhances daily functional activities.

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