Understanding the Perceptions of Dry Needling in NCAA Division I Athletes
Session Title
Sport, Mentorship, and Development
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
Joni Boyd, Ph.D.
Abstract
Dry needling is a pain management and recovery method that is becoming more popular despite the dearth of published literature on its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of dry needling for muscle pain management and/or recovery among NCAA Division I athletes. Seventy-seven NCAA Division I athletes completed a 15-item survey via e-mail. Participants who had experienced dry needling were asked to rate the perceptions of that experience. Those who had not experienced dry needling were asked to rate their perceptions and reasoning for non-exposure. The frequencies and descriptive perceptions of dry needling exposure or non-exposure were analyzed. The results indicated that 66% (n = 51) of participants did not have experience with dry needling, while 34% (n = 26) did have experience with dry needling. Those athletes not exposed to dry needling reported that they would rather use other treatments (26%); they were concerned with pain or bruising (13%); or they were not sure it would work for recovery (22%). Athletes who experienced dry needling reported that dry needling was effective and comfortable for efficient and speedy recovery (61%). They also reported that they would recommend that others use this recovery treatment (50%). In conclusion, for many athletes, dry needling is an effective treatment for muscle pain management or recovery. For other athletes, recovery treatments, such as massage therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound are preferable. Future research could compare treatment protocols for pain management and/or recovery effectiveness.
Previously Presented/Performed?
SAEOPP McNair/SSS Scholars Research Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, June 2018; Southeast American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM) Annual Meeting, Greenville, South Carolina, February 2019
Grant Support?
Supported by a Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education
Start Date
12-4-2019 1:00 PM
Understanding the Perceptions of Dry Needling in NCAA Division I Athletes
DIGS 221
Dry needling is a pain management and recovery method that is becoming more popular despite the dearth of published literature on its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of dry needling for muscle pain management and/or recovery among NCAA Division I athletes. Seventy-seven NCAA Division I athletes completed a 15-item survey via e-mail. Participants who had experienced dry needling were asked to rate the perceptions of that experience. Those who had not experienced dry needling were asked to rate their perceptions and reasoning for non-exposure. The frequencies and descriptive perceptions of dry needling exposure or non-exposure were analyzed. The results indicated that 66% (n = 51) of participants did not have experience with dry needling, while 34% (n = 26) did have experience with dry needling. Those athletes not exposed to dry needling reported that they would rather use other treatments (26%); they were concerned with pain or bruising (13%); or they were not sure it would work for recovery (22%). Athletes who experienced dry needling reported that dry needling was effective and comfortable for efficient and speedy recovery (61%). They also reported that they would recommend that others use this recovery treatment (50%). In conclusion, for many athletes, dry needling is an effective treatment for muscle pain management or recovery. For other athletes, recovery treatments, such as massage therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound are preferable. Future research could compare treatment protocols for pain management and/or recovery effectiveness.
