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Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2342-3679
Physiology & Biochemistry

Biomechanical Profile after Dry Needling in Mixed Martial Arts

Robert Trybulski
1   Department of Medical Sciences, Department of Medical Sciences, The Wojciech Korfanty School of Economics, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
,
Adrian Kużdżał
2   Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rejtana Street 16C, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
,
Arkadiusz Stanula
3   Laboratory of Sport Performance Analysis, Institute of Sport Sciences, Laboratory of Sport Performance Analysis, Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikolowska Street 72a, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
,
Sebastian Klich
4   Department of Paralympic Sport, Department of Paralympic Sport, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
,
Filipe Manuel Clemente 
5   Sports Sciences, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Melgaco, Portugal
6   Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
,
Adam Kawczyński
7   Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
8   Departament of Paralympic Games, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Departament of Paralympic Games, Wrocław, Poland
,
Cesar Fernández-de-las-Peñas
9   Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, Spain
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) intervention on the responses of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, as well as power, pressure pain thresholds, and blood perfusion of the flexor carpi radialis muscle in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Thirty-two trained/developmental men MMA fighters (25.5±4.5 years; 24.5±3 body mass index) participated in a randomized crossover study. Participants underwent a single intervention, receiving both DN and placebo. Laser Doppler flowmetry measured blood perfusion, while a myotonometer assessed the mechanical characteristics of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the flexor carpi radialis muscle. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured using an algometer, and maximal forearm muscle force was measured using a hand dynamometer. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after, and 24 hours and 48 hours post-intervention. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant Intervention*Time interaction for all outcomes: perfusion unit (p<0.001), muscle tone (p<0.001), stiffness (p<0.001), elasticity (p<0.001), PPT (p<0.001) and maximal forearm muscle force (p<0.001). The current study suggests that a single session of DN enhances muscle recovery, increases muscle strength, and improved PPT in MMA athletes. These positive adaptations appear to last up to 48 hours in some variables.

Keywords

physical therapy modalities - therapeutics - muscle strength - sports medicine


Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 04. März 2024

Angenommen: 05. Juni 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
10. Juni 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
19. Juli 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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