Comparing The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) When Coupled With Dry Needling (DN), Acupuncture (AN) or Sham Needling (SN) on Knee Range of Motion (ROM), Jump Height and Unipedal Balance

Comparing the Effect of Dry Needle, Acupuncture and Sham Needling When Added to Muscle Release Technique on Knee Range of Motion, Unipedal Balance and Jump Height in Active Men: A Randomized Control Single Blinded Study

Muscle tightness was found to increase injury risks. Muscle relaese techniques and needling were known to reduce muscle tightness, their specific influence on functional muscle performance remains inconclusive. We hypothesized that (1) combining needling modalities with muscle release techniques (PNF) would significantly improve range of motion, unipedal balance, and jump height compared to a sham intervention; and (2) the specific combination of dry needling and PNF would demonstrate superior functional progression compared to the acupuncture and PNF protocol over a 5-week timeframe.

Active men with confirmed hamstring and quadriceps tightness in both legs were included. Unipedal balance and jump height were evaluated using Kinetisense®. Subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Group1: Dry needling; Group2: Acupuncture and Group3: Sham needling. All subjects also received PNF application after needling modality. Each participant received 1 session per week for 5 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• moderately active men (Perform at least 60 min of any sport activity on at least 3 days per week)
• aged between 18 and 28 years old
• having muscular tightness in both hamstrings and quadriceps muscles in both lower limbs

Exclusion Criteria:

• men who received any surgical, dry needling or acupuncture treatment in the last 6 months prior to the experimentation.
• Participants who had suffered from any injuries at the level of the hips, knees or ankles in the 12 months before the study.
• participants under anticoagulant medications or suffering from bleeding disorders.