Electromyographic Assessment of the Efficacy of Deep Dry Needling versus the Ischemic Compression Technique in Gastrocnemius of Medium-Distance Triathletes.
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2021
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Authors
Benito de Pedro, María
Calvo Lobo, César
López López, Daniel
Benito de Pedro, Ana Isabel
Romero Morales, Carlos
San Antolín, Marta
Rodríguez Sanz, David
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Sensors
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Abstract
Several studies have shown that gastrocnemius is frequently injured in triathletes. The
causes of these injuries are similar to those that cause the appearance of the myofascial pain syndrome
(MPS). The ischemic compression technique (ICT) and deep dry needling (DDN) are considered
two of the main MPS treatment methods in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). In this study
superficial electromyographic (EMG) activity in lateral and medial gastrocnemius of triathletes with
latent MTrPs was measured before and immediately after either DDN or ICT treatment. Taking into
account superficial EMG activity of lateral and medial gastrocnemius, the immediate effectiveness
in latent MTrPs of both DDN and ICT was compared. A total of 34 triathletes was randomly
divided in two groups. The first and second groups (n = 17 in each group) underwent only one
session of DDN and ICT, respectively. EMG measurement of gastrocnemius was assessed before
and immediately after treatment. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.037) were shown for a
reduction of superficial EMG measurements differences (%) of the experimental group (DDN) with
respect to the intervention group (ICT) at a speed of 1 m/s immediately after both interventions,
although not at speeds of 1.5 m/s or 2.5 m/s. A statistically significant linear regression prediction
model was shown for EMG outcome measurement differences at V1 (speed of 1 m/s) which was only
predicted for the treatment group (R2 = 0.129; = 8.054; F = 4.734; p = 0.037) showing a reduction
of this difference under DDN treatment. DDN administration requires experience and excellent
anatomical knowledge. According to our findings immediately after treatment of latent MTrPs, DDN
could be advisable for triathletes who train at a speed lower than 1 m/s, while ICT could be a more
advisable technique than DDN for training or competitions at speeds greater than 1.5 m/s.
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Keywords
Myofascial pain syndrome, Trigger points, Electromyography, Deep dry needling, Ischemic pressure technique