Introduction: 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.

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.

Low-back pain has a high impact on the world population, and solutions are in demand. The behavior of specific physiological processes has been modified using magnetic fields, whether for pain relief, bone consolidation, or improvement of vascularization. The use of tape with magnetic properties could help in these cases. A double-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to use Magnetic Tape^® versus placebo Kinesio tape. Blood flow variables were evaluated using pulsed power Doppler ultrasound. Resistance index, pulsatility index, systolic velocity, and diastolic velocity were measured. The pressure pain threshold was measured using algometry in 22 subjects. The results reveal significant differences between the groups for the pulsation index variable (8.06 [5.16, 20.16] in Magnetic Tape^® versus 5.50 [4.56, 6.64] in Kinesio tape) and lower (0.98 [0.92, 1.02] for Magnetic Tape^® versus 0.99 [0.95, 1.01] for Kinesio tape) in the resistance index variable. The pressure pain threshold variable presented significant differences at multiple levels. The application of Magnetic Tape^® causes immediate effects on blood flow and pain and could be a technique of choice for pain modulation. Further studies would be necessary.

Literature addressing the mechanical properties of kinesiology tape is quite scarce. There are no studies which focus on the mechanical characteristics of kinesiology tape, its mechanical properties, nor its adherence following the ISO international standard test methods for tape elongation. This study quantified the mechanical characteristics of 380 samples of kinesiology tape from 19 different brands and in 4 different colors using a dynamometer. Mechanical testing was controlled by UNE EN ISO 13934-1. Significant differences were found between tape brands in terms of grammage, maximum force tenacity, work, pre-elongation and percentage elongation (P < .001). Regarding kinesiology tape color, statistically significant differences were found between tape brands in terms of grammage, maximum force and tenacity (P < .001), work and pre-elongation (P < .05). When adherence was studied, statistically significant differences were found between tape brands in terms of maximum force and work (P < .001). The different kinesiology tapes presented different behaviors with regard to rupture and removal when applied to skin in dry state, wet state and after being submerged in artificial acidic sweat solution. Therefore, different kinesiology tape brands will produce different levels of strain even though the same elongation is used. Depending on the characteristics (body dimensions) and properties (skin elongation) of each subject in the sample, bandages with different elongations must be applied to achieve the same strain in all of the tapes and therefore produce the same effect. The absence of these data at this time limits the reliability of previous clinical studies, makes comparing their findings impossible and presents new challenges for research in this field.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury stands as a significant concern in judo, necessitating preventive measures. The primary injury mechanism involves knee collapse in valgus, often linked to deficiencies in core strength, neuromuscular control, external rotators, hip abductors, and limitations in ankle and hip mobility. Sex-wise, the injury is more prevalent in women across various sports. Therefore, in the present study we observed this possible intersexual disparity in the difference of movement patterns among elite judokas according to their sex, in order to identify those athletes with a higher risk of ACL injury. Notably, there were no discernible differences between sexes in the single leg squat test. Both men and women exhibited compromised neuromuscular control in the non-dominant leg. While ankle dorsiflexion and hip external rotation showed no gender disparities, differences in internal rotation were noted. This particular movement restriction may elevate the risk of ACL injury.

Low back pain affects over 20% of individuals during their lifetime, and in some patients, it may be associated with scar tissue formation after surgery. Small-fiber neuropathy and scar tissue dysfunction can lead to localized pain by affecting signals to the thalamus. Transcutaneous neuromodulation using Tape with Magnetic Particles shows promise in relieving perceived pain, modulating vascularization and the autonomic nervous system, and reducing dermal temperature. In the present case, a 24-year-old woman with L5-S1 disk herniation experienced low back pain and leg pressure. The surgical intervention provided temporary relief, but scar restrictions caused pain recurrence. Tape with Magnetic Particles application initially induced scar hypothermia and pressure tolerance during posteroanterior tests on lumbar spinous processes increased, reducing pain perception for at least 12 h. Transcutaneous neuromodulation with Tape with Magnetic Particles modulated dermal temperature immediately and for 12 h, reducing perceived pain and sustaining improvement thereafter. This highlights the potential of Tape with Magnetic Particles in managing chronic low back pain associated with scar tissue.