Abstract
Objectives: To use ultrasound (US) imaging to determine the validity and reliability of needle placement of two dry needling (DN) protocols for the lumbar multifidus (LM) in individuals with a high body mass index (BMI). Methods: Twenty-one participants with a BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 completed the study. A US scanner was used to determine the location of needle placement after a 100 mm long needle was inserted in the LM at L4 and L5 following two DN protocols for the deep LM muscle. US images were saved and viewed 6 months later to determine the intra-tester reliability. Results: The probability of reaching the deep LM muscle was high (85–95%) at L4 and L5. Although the needle reached a bony landmark 85–100% of the time, it only reached the vertebra lamina as intended 70–75% of the time. The intra-tester reliability of needle placements based on analysis of real-time and recorded US images was poor-to-moderate. Conclusions: Although the bony drop may not indicate that the needle has reached the vertebra lamina as the protocol intended, reaching a bony drop is still meaningful as it coincided with reaching the LM in the majority of participants.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 284-291 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- Lumbar spine
- acupuncture
- manual therapy
- ultrasonography
- vertebra lamina
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation