RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Physiotherapy Dry Needling Accuracy

This study wants to find out if giving physiotherapists more training using body donations (cadavers) improves how accurately and safely they perform dry needling. Researchers will compare two groups of physiotherapists: one group will have this special anatomy training, and the other will receive different online training that doesn't involve anatomy. All physiotherapists will be tested before and after their training to see if their dry needling accuracy and confidence have changed. The goal is to see if learning this way could be added to dry needling courses to make the treatment even safer and more effective for patients across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

Start

10 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2027

Dry Needling Physiotherapy

What is this study about?

Imagine you're having a special type of physiotherapy called dry needling. For this to work best, your physio needs to be very precise. This study is all about helping physiotherapists in the UK do dry needling as accurately and safely as possible. They’re looking into whether a particular kind of training makes a big difference.

Physiotherapists taking part in this study will be split into two groups. One group will get special hands-on training where they learn about the body's structure using donated human bodies (called cadavers). This training will focus on places where dry needling needs extra care. The other group will look at different online learning materials about dry needling techniques, but without the anatomy focus.

The main idea is to see if the group that had the anatomy review with cadavers becomes more accurate and confident in their dry needling compared to the group that had the online training. If this type of anatomy training proves to be really helpful, it could mean that all dry needling courses for physiotherapists in the future might include it, making the treatment even safer and more effective for patients like you.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates different dry needling training methods for physiotherapists.
It compares cadaver-based anatomy training with online learning.
The goal is to improve dry needling accuracy and safety for patients.
Physiotherapists and volunteers who receive needling can participate.
The findings could influence future dry needling education nationwide.
All participants are carefully monitored for safety and comfort.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a physiotherapist who is fully qualified, allowed to practice dry needling, and in good standing with your professional body. If you've already had special anatomy training using cadavers after finishing your main physio degree, you can't join this particular study.

They also need volunteers for the dry needling part of the study. If you're going to be needled, you need to be over 18 and able to understand and agree to take part. Also, for your safety, you shouldn't have any health conditions that would make dry needling unsafe for you, and your body mass index (BMI) needs to be within a healthy range.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a qualified physiotherapist licensed to do dry needling?
Are you over 18 years old?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you have any conditions that make dry needling unsafe for you? (If yes, you might not be able to participate as a needling volunteer.)
Have you had post-graduation cadaver anatomy training for physio before? (If yes, you might not be eligible as a physiotherapist.)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're a physiotherapist, you'll first answer some questions and take an online test about dry needling safety. Then, you'll practice dry needling on three specific muscles on volunteers, and your accuracy will be checked using an ultrasound scanner. After this, you'll be randomly put into one of two training groups: either the special cadaver anatomy training or the online dry needling training.

After your training, you'll take the dry needling safety test again and practice dry needling on the same muscles again, with your accuracy re-checked. This whole process will help compare the effects of the different training methods. If you're a needling volunteer, you'll have dry needling done on certain muscles at the start and then again later by the physiotherapists in the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help improve dry needling training for physiotherapists in the future, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments for patients. For physiotherapists, there's a chance to receive specific training. For needling volunteers, receiving dry needling is part of the process, and as with any medical procedure, there are minor risks like bruising or discomfort, though every effort is made to ensure safety. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care or your relationship with your medical team.

Locations (1)

University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a physiotherapy treatment where thin needles are inserted into muscles to help relieve pain and improve movement.

What is a cadaver?

A cadaver is a donated human body used for medical education and research to help health professionals learn about anatomy.

Why is accuracy important in dry needling?

Accuracy helps ensure the needles are placed correctly in the target muscle, making the treatment more effective and safer by avoiding unintended areas.

Who are the 'needling participants'?

These are volunteers who receive dry needling from the physiotherapists in the study, helping to assess the physiotherapists' accuracy and safety.

Will I know which training group I'm in?

If you're a physiotherapist, you will be told which training group you are in (cadaver anatomy or online education) after the initial assessments.

How to find out more

Nadine R Crocker, MScPT

nrrissli@ualberta.ca 7806907442 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.