Effectiveness of Dry Needling (DNHS Technique) in Patients With Chronic Stroke

Study hypothesis: The DNHS technique, performed via one session of deep dry needling of myofascial trigger points applied to the biceps brachii, brachialis, flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, triceps brachii, extensor digitorum and adductor pollicis muscle is effective for decreasing spasticity and muscle stiffness (both of which are components of hypertonia) as well as for improving the upper limb function of the previously described muscles in patients with chronic cerebral vascular accident (CVA), assessed both post‐intervention and after 15 days. General aims To analyse the immediate therapeutic effect of the DNHS technique and the effect at 15 days follow‐up, for the following variables: ‐ Spasticity ‐ Muscle stiffness ‐ Upper limb function ‐ Patient perceived quality of life Materials and methods Population: patients from the province of Zaragoza (Spain) diagnosed with a haemorrhagic or ischemic CVA by a neurologist. Recruitment strategy: recruitment will take place via the Stroke Association in Aragon (AIDA) [Aragon Stroke Association] in the province of Zaragoza, Spain, seeing as the greater proportion of patients who have suffered a stroke and are in the chronic stage of the illness go to this centre to receive treatment. Thus, this avoids patients having to travel elsewhere for the study. Furthermore, in the case of patients who wish to participate in the study after having received information via third persons or via other means and who are not members of the Association or do not attend the centre on a regular basis, the Association AIDA has offered to allow these people to attend for free, making its facilities available and supporting the development of this study.