Hamstring Muscle StrainNCT07569484
Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Athletes With Chronic Hamstring Strain
A study testing Dry Needling and Standard Rehabilitation Program in people with Hamstring Muscle Strain, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in athletes with chronic hamstring strain. Chronic hamstring injuries are common among athletes and often lead to persistent pain, reduced performance, and limitations in daily and sports activities. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Hamstring Muscle Strain
- What is being tested?
- Dry Needling and Standard Rehabilitation Program
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 38 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 May 2026to 30 Apr 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male football players aged 18 to 35 years.
- Diagnosed with chronic hamstring strain (CHS) confirmed by ultrasonography.
- Injury duration of more than 3 months.
- Classified as Grade I or Grade II hamstring strain.
- Currently participating in the competitive phase of football.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 21-25 kg/m².
Who cannot join
- Previous exposure to dry needling therapy.
- Presence of any other current lower limb injuries.
- Participation in another hamstring rehabilitation program.
- Active skin infection at or near the treatment area.
- Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medications.
- Severe needle phobia or psychological intolerance to needling.
- Presence of neuromuscular disorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy or peripheral neuropathy).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Egypt1 site
Abu Qir General Hospital
Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate
Amr Anas, BSc, +201023924004, amr.anas109@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effectiveness of Dry Needling on Athletes With Chronic Hamstring Strain
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in athletes with chronic hamstring strain. Chronic hamstring injuries are common among athletes and often lead to persistent pain, reduced performance, and limitations in daily and sports activities.
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to target myofascial trigger points and relieve muscle tension. This study will compare the effects of dry needling with conventional physiotherapy interventions to determine its role in managing chronic hamstring strain.
Participants will be athletes diagnosed with chronic hamstring strain. Outcomes will include pain intensity, muscle flexibility, and functional performance. The results of this study may help improve rehabilitation strategies and provide evidence for the use of dry needling in sports injuries.
Read the detailed description
Chronic hamstring strain (CHS) is a common musculoskeletal condition among athletes, particularly in sports involving high-speed running and sudden changes in direction. It is characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms lasting more than three months and is often associated with reduced muscle flexibility, decreased performance, and an increased risk of reinjury.
Dry needling (DN) has emerged as a therapeutic intervention targeting myofascial trigger points to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore neuromuscular control. It is believed to act through both mechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms, including reduction of muscle tension and modulation of pain pathways.
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy in athletes with chronic hamstring strain. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group will receive dry needling combined with a structured physiotherapy program, while the control group will receive the same physiotherapy program without dry needling.
The physiotherapy program will include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises with an emphasis on eccentric loading, and functional training. Dry needling will be applied to identified trigger points in the hamstring muscles using standard clinical techniques.
Outcome measures will include pain intensity, hamstring flexibility, and functional performance. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period.
The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the added value of dry needling in improving rehabilitation outcomes for athletes with chronic hamstring strain.
- Conditions
- Hamstring Muscle Strain
- Being tested
- Dry Needling, Standard Rehabilitation Program
- Keywords
- Dry Needling, Hamstring Strain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dry NeedlingProcedure or surgery
Participants will receive dry needling treatment applied to active myofascial trigger points in the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus). Sterile filiform needles will be inserted into identified trigger points to elicit local twitch responses and reduce muscle pain and tightness. Treatment will be performed in addition to a standardized rehabilitation program including stretching and strengthening exercises for the hamstring muscle group. Sessions will be administered over the study period according to a predefined treatment schedule.
Standard Rehabilitation ProgramProcedure or surgery
Participants will receive a standardized rehabilitation program including stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises for hamstring muscles without dry needling.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group (A) | Active comparator | Participants will receive only the standard rehabilitation program without dry needling. Receives: Procedure: Standard Rehabilitation Program |
| Intervention Group (B) | Experimental | Participants will receive dry needling treatment in addition to a standard rehabilitation program for chronic hamstring strain Receives: Procedure: Dry Needling; Procedure: Standard Rehabilitation Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity in chronic hamstring strain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Measurements will be taken at baseline and after completion of the intervention period to evaluate changes in pain perception.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Secondary outcomes (4)
Functional Performance
Functional outcomes will be assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) to evaluate the impact of intervention on daily and sports-related activities.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Hamstring Muscle Strength
Hamstring muscle strength will be measured using a handheld dynamometer during maximal isometric contraction.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Hamstring Flexibility
Hamstring flexibility will be assessed using the popliteal angle test with a universal goniometer.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Kicking Speed
Kicking speed will be measured using a radar gun to assess football-specific performance.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 May 2026
- Study start1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (15)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Hamstring Muscle StrainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a randomized, parallel-group interventional study. Participants will be allocated into two groups: an experimental group receiving dry needling combined with conventional physiotherapy, and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Amr Mostafa Kamal Anas, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Amr Anas, BSc, Principal investigator, Cairo UniversityEbtessam Gomaa, PhD, Study director, Cairo UniversityMarihan Makary, Study director, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07569484
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/006296
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 6 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Petersen J, Thorborg K, Nielsen MB, Budtz-Jorgensen E, Holmich P. Preventive effect of eccentric training on acute hamstring injuries in men's soccer: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;39(11):2296-303. doi: 10.1177/0363546511419277. Epub 2011 Aug 8.
PubMed 21825112Espejo-Antunez L, Tejeda JF, Albornoz-Cabello M, Rodriguez-Mansilla J, de la Cruz-Torres B, Ribeiro F, Silva AG. Dry needling in the management of myofascial trigger points: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Aug;33:46-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jun 15.
PubMed 28735825Ekstrand J, Hagglund M, Walden M. Epidemiology of muscle injuries in professional football (soccer). Am J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;39(6):1226-32. doi: 10.1177/0363546510395879. Epub 2011 Feb 18.
PubMed 21335353Dunning J, et al. Dry needling clinical practice review. Phys Ther Rev. 2021;26(5-6):287-307. https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2021.1983244
Croisier JL. Factors associated with recurrent hamstring injuries. Sports Med. 2004;34(10):681-95. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200434100-00005.
PubMed 15335244Chaabene H, et al. Hamstring strength assessment systematic review. Sports Med Open. 2019;5:23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-019-0198-7
Chamorro C, et al. Reliability of handheld dynamometry and isokinetic testing. Open Med. 2014;9(4):382-397. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2014-0058
Canosa-Carro L, et al. Dry needling effects on hamstring flexibility and performance. J Sport Rehabil. 2022;31(3):254-261. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0225
Buckthorpe M, et al. Hamstring injuries in football: risk factors and RTP. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(19):1081-1091.
Brukner P. Hamstring injuries: prevention and treatment-an update. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Oct;49(19):1241-4. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094427. Epub 2015 Jun 23.
PubMed 26105015Bourne MN, et al. Eccentric training and hamstring injury risk. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2017;27(11):1180-1187.
Bahr R, et al. Hamstring injury prevention programs: systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(17):1077-1085.
Bahr R, Thorborg K, Ekstrand J. Evidence-based hamstring injury prevention is not adopted by the majority of Champions League or Norwegian Premier League football teams: the Nordic Hamstring survey. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Nov;49(22):1466-71. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094826. Epub 2015 May 20.
PubMed 25995308Askling CM, Tengvar M, Thorstensson A. Acute hamstring injuries in Swedish elite football: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial comparing two rehabilitation protocols. Br J Sports Med. 2013 Oct;47(15):953-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092165. Epub 2013 Mar 27.
PubMed 23536466Ahmad CS, Redler LH, Ciccotti MG, Maffulli N, Longo UG, Bradley J. Evaluation and management of hamstring injuries. Am J Sports Med. 2013 Dec;41(12):2933-47. doi: 10.1177/0363546513487063. Epub 2013 May 23.
PubMed 23703914
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Dry Needling on Athletes With Chronic Hamstring Strain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07569484
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T.REC/012/006296
- Conditions
- Hamstring Muscle Strain
- Keywords
- Dry Needling, Hamstring Strain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 38 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Apr 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in athletes with chronic hamstring strain. Chronic hamstring injuries are common among athletes and often lead to persistent pain, reduced performance, and limitations in daily and sports activities.
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used to target myofascial trigger points and relieve muscle tension. This study will compare the effects of dry needling with conventional physiotherapy interventions to determine its role in managing chronic hamstring strain.
Participants will be athletes diagnosed with chronic hamstring strain. Outcomes will include pain intensity, muscle flexibility, and functional performance. The results of this study may help improve rehabilitation strategies and provide evidence for the use of dry needling in sports injuries.
Detailed description
Chronic hamstring strain (CHS) is a common musculoskeletal condition among athletes, particularly in sports involving high-speed running and sudden changes in direction. It is characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms lasting more than three months and is often associated with reduced muscle flexibility, decreased performance, and an increased risk of reinjury.
Dry needling (DN) has emerged as a therapeutic intervention targeting myofascial trigger points to reduce pain, improve muscle function, and restore neuromuscular control. It is believed to act through both mechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms, including reduction of muscle tension and modulation of pain pathways.
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy in athletes with chronic hamstring strain. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups. The experimental group will receive dry needling combined with a structured physiotherapy program, while the control group will receive the same physiotherapy program without dry needling.
The physiotherapy program will include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises with an emphasis on eccentric loading, and functional training. Dry needling will be applied to identified trigger points in the hamstring muscles using standard clinical techniques.
Outcome measures will include pain intensity, hamstring flexibility, and functional performance. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period.
The results of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the added value of dry needling in improving rehabilitation outcomes for athletes with chronic hamstring strain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a randomized, parallel-group interventional study. Participants will be allocated into two groups: an experimental group receiving dry needling combined with conventional physiotherapy, and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy alone.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group (A) | Active comparator | Procedure: Standard Rehabilitation ProgramParticipants will receive only the standard rehabilitation program without dry needling. |
| Intervention Group (B) | Experimental | Procedure: Dry Needling, Procedure: Standard Rehabilitation ProgramParticipants will receive dry needling treatment in addition to a standard rehabilitation program for chronic hamstring strain |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Male football players aged 18 to 35 years.
- Diagnosed with chronic hamstring strain (CHS) confirmed by ultrasonography.
- Injury duration of more than 3 months.
- Classified as Grade I or Grade II hamstring strain.
- Currently participating in the competitive phase of football.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Previous exposure to dry needling therapy.
- Presence of any other current lower limb injuries.
- Participation in another hamstring rehabilitation program.
- Active skin infection at or near the treatment area.
- Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medications.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dry NeedlingParticipants will receive dry needling treatment applied to active myofascial trigger points in the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus). Sterile filiform needles will be inserted into identified trigger points to elicit local twitch responses and reduce muscle pain and tightness. Treatment will be performed in addition to a standardized rehabilitation program including stretching and strengthening exercises for the hamstring muscle group. Sessions will be administered over the study period according to a predefined treatment schedule. | Procedure or surgery | Intervention Group (B) |
| Standard Rehabilitation ProgramParticipants will receive a standardized rehabilitation program including stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises for hamstring muscles without dry needling. | Procedure or surgery | Control Group (A), Intervention Group (B) |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Pain intensity in chronic hamstring strain will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Measurements will be taken at baseline and after completion of the intervention period to evaluate changes in pain perception.
4 secondary outcomes
Functional Performance
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Hamstring Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Hamstring Flexibility
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Kicking Speed
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 21825112Petersen J, Thorborg K, Nielsen MB, Budtz-Jorgensen E, Holmich P. Preventive effect of eccentric training on acute hamstring injuries in men's soccer: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;39(11):2296-303. doi: 10.1177/0363546511419277. Epub 2011 Aug 8.
- Background: PubMed 28735825Espejo-Antunez L, Tejeda JF, Albornoz-Cabello M, Rodriguez-Mansilla J, de la Cruz-Torres B, Ribeiro F, Silva AG. Dry needling in the management of myofascial trigger points: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Aug;33:46-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jun 15.
- Background: PubMed 21335353Ekstrand J, Hagglund M, Walden M. Epidemiology of muscle injuries in professional football (soccer). Am J Sports Med. 2011 Jun;39(6):1226-32. doi: 10.1177/0363546510395879. Epub 2011 Feb 18.
- BackgroundDunning J, et al. Dry needling clinical practice review. Phys Ther Rev. 2021;26(5-6):287-307. https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2021.1983244
- Background: PubMed 15335244Croisier JL. Factors associated with recurrent hamstring injuries. Sports Med. 2004;34(10):681-95. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200434100-00005.
- BackgroundChaabene H, et al. Hamstring strength assessment systematic review. Sports Med Open. 2019;5:23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-019-0198-7
- BackgroundChamorro C, et al. Reliability of handheld dynamometry and isokinetic testing. Open Med. 2014;9(4):382-397. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2014-0058
- BackgroundCanosa-Carro L, et al. Dry needling effects on hamstring flexibility and performance. J Sport Rehabil. 2022;31(3):254-261. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2020-0225
- BackgroundBuckthorpe M, et al. Hamstring injuries in football: risk factors and RTP. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(19):1081-1091.
- Background: PubMed 26105015Brukner P. Hamstring injuries: prevention and treatment-an update. Br J Sports Med. 2015 Oct;49(19):1241-4. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094427. Epub 2015 Jun 23.
- BackgroundBourne MN, et al. Eccentric training and hamstring injury risk. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2017;27(11):1180-1187.
- BackgroundBahr R, et al. Hamstring injury prevention programs: systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(17):1077-1085.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Amr Anas, BSc principal investigator
Cairo University
Ebtessam Gomaa, PhD study director
Cairo University
Marihan Makary study director
Cairo University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dry Needling and Standard Rehabilitation Program in people with Hamstring Muscle Strain, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Amr Anas, BSc (+201023924004, amr.anas109@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and after 6 weeks of treatment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07569484, which also lists 15 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 May 2026.