NCT07034456

Sensory and Vascular Effects of Kinesio and Magnetic Tape in Healthy Subjects

Possible Mechanisms of Action of Magnetic Tape Through Its Application on the Epidermis

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Patricia Beltra Lopez · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a tape with magnetic particles versus a control kinesiotape on the skin's sensory and vascular responses in healthy volunteers. The tape is an elastic adhesive strip containing magnetic particles that may modulate sensory nerve endings. The hypothesis is that this magnetic tape can reduce pain and mechanical sensitivity and blood flow in the application area by stimulating cutaneous receptors. Thirty healthy participants will receive four different combinations of two types of tapes (magnetic vs. placebo) and two creams (anesthetic vs. moisturizing), applied to the lower back in a randomized crossover design. Sensory thresholds and blood flow will be measured at three body regions: close to the application site (lower back), a segmentally related area (posterior thigh), and an unrelated distant site (forearm). Measurements will include pressure pain threshold, mechanical sensitivity, and tactile detection, using standardized tools and Doppler ultrasound The study will help determine whether the effects of magnetic tape are local or systemic, whether they depend on skin receptor activation, and whether they can be blocked by topical anesthesia

Detailed description

This randomized, single-blind, crossover clinical trial investigates the sensory and vascular effects of an elastic adhesive tape containing magnetic particles (Magnetic Tape®) when applied to the skin of healthy volunteers. The study employs a 2x2 factorial design, combining two types of tape (magnetic vs. placebo) and two types of topical cream (anesthetic vs. moisturizing), applied in four different sessions with a one-week washout between conditions. Each participant receives all four combinations in a randomized order The main hypothesis is that magnetic tape may induce local sensory and vascular changes through the activation of cutaneous sensory afferents. A secondary hypothesis is that these effects may be diminished or abolished by topical anesthetic application, indicating a dependence on superficial nerve activation. A third hypothesis is that any effects will be limited to the dermatome of application, without spreading to distant or segmentally unrelated areas Sensory testing includes pressure pain threshold (PPT), mechanical pain sensitivity (using numeric rating scale), and tactile detection threshold (using von Frey filaments). These assessments are conducted in three anatomical locations: the lumbar region (close to the application site), the posterior thigh (segmentally related area), and the forearm (unrelated site). Additionally, blood flow is assessed using color Doppler ultrasound. Additionally, the sensitivity of the aplicaction site will be also evaluated to assess the cream effects. The study aims to improve understanding of the peripheral mechanisms involved in magnetic tape application, clarify the potential neuromodulatory role of cutaneous afferents, and determine whether the observed effects are mediated through local sensory mechanisms

Conditions

• Healthy Volunteers

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Tape with mangetic particles	An elastic adhesive tape containing magnetic particles, designed to be applied directly to the skin. In this study, the tape is applied to the lumbar region. The tape remains in place during standardized sensory and vascular measurements
DRUG	Topical Anesthetic Cream	EMLA®, a topical anesthetic cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine, will be applied under occlusion prior to tape application during 30 minutes with the aim of anesthetize the cutaneous sensory receptors
DEVICE	Control KinesioTape	An elastic adhesive tape, designed to be applied directly to the skin. In this study, the tape is applied to the lumbar region. This tape does not content magnetic particles, thus is used as a comparator. The tape remains in place during standardized sensory and vascular measurements
DEVICE	Moisturizing Cream (control)	A neutral moisturizing cream (control) will be applied under occlusion prior to tape application during 30 minutes. The application will be blind and use as a placebo vs the anesthetic cream.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-01
• Primary completion: 2026-01-01
• Completion: 2026-01-01
• First posted: 2025-06-24
• Last updated: 2025-06-24