Chronic pain is a societal concern influencing the autonomic nervous system. This system can be captured with automated pupillometry. The direct connection between the epidermal cells and the brain is presented as part of the central nervous system, reflecting the modulation of the autonomic system. This study’s aim was to investigate if tape containing magnetic particles (TCMP) has an immediate effect on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and influences chronic low back pain. Twenty-three subjects completed this study. Subjects were randomized to either receive the control tape (CT) or TCMP first. Each subject underwent a pain provocative pressure test on the spinous process, followed by the skin pinch test and automated pupillometry. Next, the TCMP/control tape was applied. After tape removal, a second provocative spinous process pressure test and skin pinch test were performed. Subjects returned for a second testing day to receive the other tape application. The results demonstrate that TCMP had an immediate significant effect on the autonomic nervous system and resulted in decreased chronic lower back pain. We postulate that this modulation by TCMP s has an immediate effect on the autonomic system and reducing perceived pain, opening a large field of future research.

Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a major cause of functional impairment, resulting in consequences like job absenteeism and reduced quality of life. Risk factors such as muscle weakness and tightness have been implicated. Electromagnetic fields have therapeutic effects on human tissue, including pain relief and muscle relaxation. This study aimed to examine the impact of a tape with magnetic particles (MPT) applied to the lumbar area on abductor muscle strength and surface electromyography (sEMG) of the Gluteus Medius and Tensor of the Fascia Lata muscles in individuals with NSCLBP. Methods: It was carried out a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial and with test retest, with 41 consecutive patients younger than 65 years who previously diagnosed with NSCLBP to assess the effect of a MPT over hip abductor muscle strength and activity. sEMG and force data were obtained during the Hip Stability Isometric Test (HipSIT). The HipSIT was used to assess the abduction strength using a hand-held dynamometer and sEMG. The HipSIT uses the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Four trials were recorded and the mean extracted for analysis. The tape was applied with either a MPT or a sham magnetic particle tape (SMPT) bilaterally without tension on from L1 to L5 paravertebral muscles. Results: The significant increase in the recruitment of fibers and the significant increase in the maximum voluntary contraction by applying MPT with respect to the SMPT, correspond to the increases in the Peak Force and the decrease in the time to reach the maximum force (peak time) of both muscles. Conclusion: Application of a MPT in patients with NSCLBP suggests an increase in muscle strength of the Gluteus Medius and Tensor Fascia Lata bilaterally during the HipSIT test. Lumbar metameric neuromodulation with MPT improves muscle activation of the hip musculature.

Introduction Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is one of the main reasons of loss of function, that can have consequences such as job absenteeism and a decrease in the quality of life. Based in clinical findings and scientific studies, different risks factors have been stated as potential implication, such as muscles weakness and muscle tightness. Electromagnetic fields positively influence human tissue and have several therapeutic effects such as: pain relief, healing bone fracture, myorelaxation, myostimulation and joint mobilization. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the effect of a magnetic particle tape applied to the lumbar area in subjects with NSCLBP influences the strength of abductor muscle contraction and whether an immediate effect is obtained on surface electromyography (sEMG) of the Gluteus Medius and the Tensor of the Fascia Lata. Methods It was carried out a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover trial and with test retest, with 41 consecutive patients younger than 65 years who previously diagnosed with NSCLBP to assess the effect of a tape with magnetic particles over hip abductor muscles strength and activity. Electromyographic (EMG) and force data were obtained during the Hip Stability Isometric Test (HipSIT). The HipSIT was used to assess the abduction strength using a hand-held dynamometer and electromyography (EMG). The HipSIT uses the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Four trials were recorded and the mean extracted for analysis. The tape was applied with either a magnetic particle tape or a sham magnetic particle tape bilaterally without tension on from L1 to L5 paravertebral muscles. Results The significant increase in the recruitment of fibers and the significant increase in the maximum voluntary contraction by applying magnetic particle tape with respect to the placebo tape, correspond to the increases in the Peak Force and the decrease in the time to reach the maximum force (peak time) of both muscles. Conclusions Application of a magnetic particle tape in people with low back pain suggest an increase in muscle strength of the Gluteus Medius and Tensor Fascia Lata bilaterally during the HipSIT test. Lumbar metameric neuromodulation with Magnetic Tape improves muscle activation of the hip musculature. Impact Statement The findings of this study will provide data on the effectiveness of a tape with magnetic particles for People with NSCLP for health care policy makers, physicians, and insurers. Data from this study will also inform future pragmatic trials for non-pharmacological interventions and chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.