Investigating the Effect of Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Point in Soleus Muscle of Soccer Players with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of dry needling on myofascial trigger points in the soleus muscles among soccer players with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).

Materials and Methods: Soccer players diagnosed with MTSS were enlisted and randomly divided into two groups (11 participants in the experimental group [Group 1] and 11 participants in the control group [Group 2]). Pre-intervention measurements included repeated shuttle sprint ability, MTSS score, and pain pressure threshold (PPT) for both groups. In the experimental group, dry needling was performed on the soleus muscle, followed by active stretching and cryotherapy. The control group underwent active stretching of the soleus muscle and cryotherapy exclusively. Post-intervention measurements of repeated shuttle sprint ability, MTSS score, and PPT were taken for both groups after 2 days.

Results: The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in PPT, MTSS score, and repeated shuttle sprint ability. Conversely, within the control group, statistically significant changes were observed only in PPT values through paired t-test assessment. Between-group analysis using an independent t-test revealed significant enhancement in PPT (P=0.000) and MTSS score (P=0.01) within the experimental group compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Addressing myofascial trigger points in the soleus muscle through dry needling offers a more effective approach to treating MTSS than relying solely on muscle stretching.