Deep Dry Needling for the Management of Post-stroke Spasticity
Deep Dry Needling for the Management of Post-stroke Spasticity
Stroke is the leading cause of physical disability, particularly due to the presence of
 spasticity. Different needling techniques, including the use of Botulinum Toxin A are
 proposed for the management of spasticity. The presence of spasticity in the lower extremity
 implies several impairments for standing and walking inducing high disability. No study has
 investigated the effects of deep dry needling inserted into the targeted spastic musculature
 in patients with stroke. The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial
 investigating the effects of a single session of deep dry needling over the musculature of
 the leg on spasticity, widespread pressure pain sensitivity and plantar pressures
 (baropodometry) in individuals with chronic stroke. The investigators hypothesize that
 patients receiving a single session of dry needling would exhibit a greater reduction in
 spasticity and pressure sensitivity than those who will not receive the intervention.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  First-ever unilateral stroke;

 -  hemiplegia resulting from stroke;

 -  unilateral equinovarus gait with independent walk;

 -  able to ambulate without supporting devices.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  recurrent stroke;

 -  previous treatment with nerve blocks, motor point injections with neurolytic agents
 for spasticity at any time, or with BTX-A in the previous 6 months

 -  not independent in the basic activities of daily living

 -  severe cognitive deficits;

 -  progressive or severe neurologic diseases;

 -  fear to needles;

 -  any contraindication for dry needling, e.g., anticoagulants, infections, bleeding, or
 psychotic.