Effects of Dry Needling on Latent Myofascial Trigger Points of the Extensor Digitorum Communis: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

This randomized single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of different dry needling and electrical dry needling techniques applied to latent myofascial trigger points in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm in healthy adults. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of five groups: a control group, a Hong fast-in and fast-out dry needling group, a rotational dry needling group, a bipolar electrical dry needling group, or a monopolar electrical dry needling group. The main outcomes will be post-needling soreness intensity and duration. Secondary outcomes will include pain during the needling procedure, pressure pain threshold assessed by algometry, handgrip strength, range of motion of finger flexion and wrist palmar flexion, perceived comfort during the intervention, and perceived interference of post-needling soreness with daily activities. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 5 minutes after the intervention, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 40 years. * Healthy participants with a latent myofascial trigger point in the extensor digitorum muscle of the dominant forearm. * No pathology affecting the upper limb where the intervention will be applied. * No episode of pain in the upper limb during at least the previous two months. * No contraindications to dry needling or electrical dry needling techniques. * Voluntary signature of the informed consent form. * Willingness to follow the protocol proposed by the research team. Exclusion Criteria: * Needle phobia. * Coagulation disorders. * Pregnancy. * Thyroid disorders. * Altered skin integrity in the treatment area. * Epilepsy. * Local or systemic infection. * Diagnosed neurological disorders affecting pain perception or neuromuscular function in the region of interest, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathies. * Generalized chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia. * Weekly use of analgesic medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, or other pain-relieving medication. Withdrawal Criteria: * Lack of participant collaboration. * Failure to complete follow-up assessments after the intervention.