Evaluation of histological changes in the biceps brachii muscle after dry needling in stroke patients using theechovariation index: a double-blind Randomized clinical trial

Evaluation Alterations in Biceps Brachii Muscle tissue following dry needling in stroke patients using the echovariation index.

A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 36 patients, accounting for a 10% dropout rate, giving a total of 39 patients. Randomization was performed using the website www.sealedenvelope.com

Chronic stroke patients are referred to Dr. Heshmat Hospital's physiotherapy clinic per inclusion criteria and split into three groups after initial assessment. In this double-blind study, patients and assessor are blinded. Group one receives 10 exercise sessions plus 5 alternating dry-needling sessions; group two the same with sham needles; group three only 5 dry-needling sessions. Range of motion, motor function, spasticity severity, and covariance are assessed before, after, and one week post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: Hemiplegia resulting from a first ischemic stroke Age between 40 and 65 years At least 6 months elapsed since the stroke Spasticity severity of 1 or higher in the elbow flexor muscles No fixed motor limitation in the elbow flexors Exclusion Criteria: History of recurrent stroke Unwillingness to continue participation

Group 1: Ten sessions of therapeutic exercise and five sessions of dry needling of the biceps (every other session). Group 2: Ten sessions of therapeutic exercise and five sessions of sham needling of the biceps (every other session) at the same points; sham needling uses a plastic monofilament tip resembling a needle. Group 3: Only five sessions of dry needling of the biceps at similar intervals.

Brannstrom recovery stage, spasticity severity, elbow range of motion, echo intensity, echovariance index

Randomization will be carried out via the website www.sealedenvelope.com.In this method, 5 blocks of 6 will be determined according to three groups. Then, each sequence will be recorded on a card and placed inside an envelope. In the order of patients' arrival, the envelopes will be opened and the assigned group of that participant will be determined. In this double-blind study, patients and the evaluator will be unaware of the type of group assigned. Randomization and evaluation will be carried out by a person who is not involved in the treatment process of the patients and is unaware of the type of intervention.

In this double-blind study, patients and the evaluator are unaware of the type of group assigned. Randomization and evaluation will be performed by a person who is not involved in the treatment process of the patients and is unaware of the type of intervention. For the sham needle, a monofilament head, which is plastic and resembles a shoe, will be used that is only moved slowly over the skin and does not penetrate into the tissue.

After de-identifying people, the consent form and evaluation data can be shared.

One year after the article was published

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