Efficacy of Dry Needling in the Spasticity Post-stroke

Efficacy of Dry Needling in the Spasticity of the Hemiparetic Limbs Post-stroke

Stroke is a serious clinical condition and one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the world. One of the most serious complications of this condition is spasticity. Recently, dry needling has commented to be used as a treatment in muscle spasticity of chronic patients after a stroke, producing improvements in clinical conditions.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of dry needling technique in the spasticity of the hemiparetic limbs in chronic post-stroke patients. The Modified Ashworth Scale is used to measure the spasticity´s improvement after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First hemiplegic ischemic stroke.
• Chronic stroke (stroke at least 6 months before the trial).
• Present a level of spasticity equal or greater than 1 according to the Modified Asworth Scale.
• Preserve cognitive capacity.
• Being able to understand and follow simple instructions.
• Not afraid of needles.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recurrent stroke.
• Subjects with cognitive disorders.
• Presenting any medical contraindication for the dry needling procedure or problems with coagulation or epilepsy.
• Alteration of sensitivity.
• Receives nerve block or botulinum toxin treatments in a period equal or less than 6 months, since ir can modify the results.
• Hemorrhagic stroke.
• Subjects who do not consent to participate in the study.