Table 1.
Comparison between randomized groups at baseline. Values are numbers (percentages) unless stated otherwise
| Variables | Deep dry needling group n = 22 | Control group (CG) n = 22 | Total sample values n = 44 | P values |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demographic data | ||||
| Women | 77.3 | 86.4 | 81.8 | 0.698 |
| Men | 22.7 | 13.6 | 18.2 | 0.698 |
| Mean (SD) age (years) | 40.1 (13.1) | 47 (16.2) | 43.6 (15) | 0.152 |
| Mean (SD) body mass index | 24 (4.6) | 24.4 (3) | 23.97 (3.9) | 0.119 |
| Physical activity | 90.1 | 84.1 | 84.1 | 0.412 |
| Mean hours/week of physical activity (SD) | 7.5 (1.4) | 7 (1.1) | 4.16 (3.2) | 0.323 |
| Mean hours/day work (SD) | 7.18 (1.3) | 6.68 (1.6) | 6.93 (1.5) | 0.387 |
| Symptoms | ||||
| Median (IQR) VAS scores | 5.8 (1) | 5 (1.7) | 5.6 (1.5) | 0.784* |
| Mean (SD) PPT (kg/m2) | 1.9 (0.7) | 1.9 (0.7) | 1.9 (0.6) | 0.889 |
| Mean (SD) ROM flexion/extension (deg) | 104.4 (15) | 95.1 (24.4) | 99.8 (20.5) | 0.134 |
| Mean (SD) ROM rotation (deg) | 110.8 (23.8) | 113.2 (26) | 112 (24.7) | 0.751 |
| Mean (SD) ROM inclination (deg) | 73.6 (21) | 65.9 (21.3) | 70 (21.3) | 0.233 |
| Mean (SD) strength right rotation (N) | 67.1 (20.1) | 55.7 (13.6) | 61.4 (17.9) | 0.032 |
| Mean (SD) Strength Left Rotation (N) | 61.7 (20.1) | 57.7(12.9) | 59.7 (16.8) | 0.439 |
| Mean (SD) strength right inclination (N) | 75.5 (25) | 63.4 (15.9) | 69.5 (21.6) | 0.060 |
| Mean (SD) strength left inclination (N) | 72 (28.3) | 65.1 (17) | 68.5 (23.3) | 0.038 |
| Mean (SD) strength flexion (N) | 61.7 (22.9) | 62.3 (20.6) | 62 (21.5) | 0.923 |
| Mean (SD) strength extension (N) | 80.2 (25.8) | 77.4 (28.4) | 78.8 (26.8) | 0.735 |
deg: degrees in range of motion; ROM: range of motion; N: strength expressed in newtons; SD: standard deviation; VAS: visual analogue scale.