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Effects of Dry Needling in Athletes With Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Sponsor: Universidad Europea de Valencia
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether dry needling combined with therapeutic exercise improves shoulder proprioception in amateur athletes with subacromial pain syndrome. The study will also assess its effects on dynamic stability, strength, pain, and functional disability. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does dry needling improve shoulder proprioception compared with therapeutic exercise alone? Does dry needling improve dynamic shoulder stability and muscle strength? Does dry needling reduce pain and upper limb disability? Researchers will compare a group receiving dry needling plus therapeutic exercise with a group performing therapeutic exercise alone to determine whether the combined intervention produces better outcomes. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. Perform a home-based therapeutic exercise program for 3 weeks. Complete assessments of proprioception, dynamic stability, strength, pain, and functional disability before and after the intervention.
Official title: Effects of Dry Needling on Proprioception, Dynamic Stability, Strength, Pain Perception, and Disability in Athletes With Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 40 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2026-06
Completion Date
2027-03
Last Updated
2026-06-05
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Dry needling
Dry needling will be applied to active myofascial trigger points identified in scapulohumeral muscles commonly associated with subacromial pain syndrome, including supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor, teres major, and anterior and middle deltoid muscles. Trigger points will be identified through standardized clinical examination. The intervention will be performed by an experienced physiotherapist using sterile disposable needles and a standardized fast in-fast out technique. Participants will receive two dry needling sessions separated by a 10-day interval.
Therapeutic Exercise
Participants will perform a structured home-based therapeutic exercise program focused on shoulder strengthening, neuromuscular control, and sensorimotor function using elastic resistance bands. The exercise program will be performed three times per week for 3 weeks following a standardized protocol. Participants will receive individualized instruction, exercise materials, and adherence monitoring throughout the intervention period.
Locations (1)
Clínica Dr Villarón
Valencia, Valencia, Spain