Muscle Activity and Kinematic Changes With Dry Needling

Changes in Muscle Activity, Squat, and Gait Kinematics After Dry Needling Treatment of the Low Back: A Pilot Study

This study assesses the effects of dry needling with electrical stimulation to the low back on muscle activity and changes in movement. The investigators hypothesize that dry needling and electrical stimulation will elicit changes in muscle activity as well as changes in movement.

This study will utilize a Vicon motion capture system in conjunction with a Noraxon wireless surface electromyography system to analyze movements and muscle activity of each participant pre and post needling.

Inclusion Criteria:

• English speaking individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 years old
• without current complaint of low back pain
• no history of low back or lower extremity surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• individuals with current complaint of low back pain,
• lumbar radicular symptoms
• history of low back surgery or lower extremity surgery
• pregnancy or planning to become pregnant,
• currently taking immunosuppressant or anticoagulation use with INR not within therapeutic range
• needle phobia
• osteoporosis will be excluded