πŸ›οΈ Verified NIH Record β€’ Updated 2026-07-06

Dry Needling for Spasticity in Stroke (NCT04535479)

Neurophysiological Characterization of Dry Needling in People With Spasticity Due to Stroke

πŸ”΅ Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 🧠 Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The study team is recruiting 20 adults with spasticity due to chronic stroke and 20 adults with no neurological injuries for a 2 day study. In people with chronic stroke, one of the most common and disabling problems is spasticity (increased muscle tone or muscle stiffness). The purpose of this research study is to examine effects of dry needling on the nervous system (pathways between the muscle, spinal cord, and brain) in people with spasticity due to chronic stroke. Dry needling is a procedure in which a thin, stainless steel needle is inserted into your skin to produce a muscle twitch response. It is intended to release a knot in your muscle and relieve pain. The total study duration is 2 days. The first visit will take about 3 hours, during which dry needling will take place, and the second visit will take about 1 hour. During both visits you will be asked to participate in examinations of reflexes (muscle responses to non-invasive nerve stimulation) and arm/leg function.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Medical University of South Carolina β€” Charleston, South Carolina

Age range: 18 Years

πŸ§ͺ Interventions in This Study

  • Dry Needling (BEHAVIORAL)

πŸ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" β€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria β†—

πŸ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Medical University of South Carolina β€” Charleston, South Carolina

πŸ’° Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA Β§ 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

Explore by condition: All Stroke clinical trials

πŸ’‘ How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
πŸ›οΈ View Official NIH Record β†—