Does needling boost knee performance? new study tests dry needling vs acupuncture

NCT ID NCT07612969

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Mohamad Karam Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether adding dry needling, acupuncture, or sham needling to a muscle release technique improves knee range of motion, balance, and jump height in active men aged 18-28 with tight hamstrings and quadriceps. Sixty-five participants were split into four groups and treated over five weeks. The goal was to see which combination works best for functional performance.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Dry needling, acupuncture, and sham needling
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help physical therapists choose the best needling technique to improve knee function and reduce injury risk in active people.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study in healthy young men, so results may not apply to injured or older populations. The sham needling group also received muscle release, making it hard to isolate the effect of needling alone.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY ADULT MALES HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiotherapy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut

Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

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