In recent years, dry needling techniques have become widespread in the field of musculoskeletal pain treatment. Specifically, the management of myofascial trigger points has been the focus of these techniques.

One of the objectives has been to improve the flexibility of those muscles that, due to the presence of myofascial trigger points, had a decrease in this parameter.

This study aims to determine whether the application of a dry needling technique is more effective than analytical stretching of the muscle.

Hypothesis of the study Deep dry needling of latent trigger points of the rectus femoris produces greater effects on flexibility, strength and pain than superficial dry needling or stretching.

- Overall objective: To compare the differences that occur in flexibility, strength and pain threshold to pressure after the application of deep dry needling, superficial dry needling and stretching on latent trigger points of the rectus femoris.

- Specific objectives To determine the changes produced by deep dry needling on flexibility, strength and pain threshold to pressure.

To determine the changes produced by superficial dry needling on flexibility, strength and pain threshold to pressure.

To determine the changes in flexibility, strength and pain threshold to pressure produced by conventional assisted stretching.

To check if the changes remain after 7 days of the application of the techniques.

To assess the inter-rater reliability of the Goniometer APP in the study sample.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women between 18 and 65 years old.
2. To have at least 70º of knee flexion.
3. Be aware of and accept the study criteria (informed consent).
4. Healthy subjects, without previous hip or knee pathology or involved musculature.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. To have pain.
2. Having pain in the quadriceps or hip at the time of the study.
3. Currently following physiotherapy or analgesic treatment.
4. Belenophobia (fear of needles).
5. Recent surgery or trauma in the area.
6. Pregnancy.