Short-Term Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Short-Term Effects of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Neuromuscular Control in Individuals Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of dry needling on neuromuscular control in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction during a single-leg vertical drop landing task. Participants in the intervention group will receive dry needling, while those in the control group will not receive any therapeutic intervention.

The main research question is:

• Can dry needling induce changes in muscle activation, co-contraction magnitude, and biomechanical parameters during landing?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
• Successful return to recreational sports participation
• For the experimental group, participants must present at least one active or latent trigger point in the vastus medialis (VM) and/or vastus lateralis (VL) muscles on the side ipsilateral to the ligament reconstruction.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Peripheral or central neurological disorders
• Systemic or degenerative diseases
• Fibromyalgia
• Iron deficiency
• Hypothyroidism
• Belonephobia
• Contraindications to dry needling
• History of dry needling treatment in the lower limbs