Hamstring Tightness

Clinical Effects of Dry Needling Among Asymptomatic Individuals With Hamstring Tightness

The purpose of this study is to find out if individuals with tight hamstring muscles who receive dry needling in addition to a standard stretching exercise program, show an improvement in hamstring tightness and function compared to individuals with tight hamstrings who receive either sham dry needling or no needling (blunt needle) in addition to a standard stretching program.

Tightness of the hamstring muscles is a risk factor for injury. Currently, there is no data on the effect of dry needling on hamstring extensibility or functional performance measures among asymptomatic individuals with hamstring muscle tightness. The investigator wants to assess if individuals with tight hamstring muscles who receive dry needling in addition to a standard stretching exercise program, exhibit reduced hamstring tightness and improved functional performance compared to individuals with tight hamstrings who receive either sham dry needling or no needling (blunt needle) in addition to a standard stretching program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hamstring 90/90 extensibility goniometric measurement of more than 20 degrees of knee flexion bilaterally
• Ability to perform a squat to 90 degrees of knee flexion without assistance of the upper extremities
• Asymptomatic during walking

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of systemic neurological or arthritic condition
• History of bony or peripheral nerve trauma or surgery lower extremities
• History of treatment with dry needling
• No contraindications to dry needling