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

Patricia Beltra Lopez

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Healthy Volunteers

Treatments: Device: Control KinesioTape; Device: Moisturizing Cream (control); Drug: Topical Anesthetic Cream; Device: Tape with mangetic particles

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07034456

Magnetic Tape/2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

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

Full 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

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 35 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy young adults (18-35 years old)
• Participants interested in laser hair removal who have a prior prescription for EMLA cream

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy
• Severe illnesses: diabetes, cancer, neurological conditions, depression, etc.
• Dermatological conditions or skin alterations (large wounds, scars, or tattoos)
• Allergy to lidocaine or prilocaine (components of EMLA cream)
• Having exercised within the previous 12 hours
• Use of any toxic substances or caffeine intake within the previous 12 hours
• Undergoing laser hair removal in the lumbar, posterior thigh, or anterior forearm areas within the past 24-48 hours

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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30 participants in 4 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo Tape with Moisturizing Cream (Crossover)

Sham Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive Placebo Tape with moisturizing cream Each condition will be applied in a separate session with a one-week washout period. All participants complete every condition in randomized order.

Treatment:

Device: Moisturizing Cream (control)

Device: Control KinesioTape

Magnetic Tape with moisturizing cream

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive Magnetic Tape with moisturizing cream Each condition will be applied in a separate session with a one-week washout period. All participants complete every condition in randomized order.

Treatment:

Device: Tape with mangetic particles

Device: Moisturizing Cream (control)

Magnetic Tape with anaesthetic cream

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive Magnetic Tape with anaesthetic cream Each condition will be applied in a separate session with a one-week washout period. All participants complete every condition in randomized order.

Treatment:

Device: Tape with mangetic particles

Drug: Topical Anesthetic Cream

Placebo Tape with Anesthetic Cream

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive Placebo Tape with Anesthetic cream Each condition will be applied in a separate session with a one-week washout period. All participants complete every condition in randomized order.

Treatment:

Drug: Topical Anesthetic Cream

Device: Control KinesioTape