Selva-Sarzo Francisco, Sánchez Romero Eleuterio A, Cuenca-Zaldívar Juan Nicolás, García-Haba Beatriz, Akiyama Claudio, Sillevis Rob, Fernández-Carnero Samuel
Francisco Selva Physiotherapy Clinic, Valencia, Spain.
Physiotherapy Faculty, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2025 Apr 15;6:1525964. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2025.1525964. eCollection 2025.
Transcutaneous magnetic neuromodulation is a noninvasive technique that may influence pain perception and mobility by modulating epidermal afferents and autonomic nervous system activity. However, its effects on chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) remain unclear.
This study evaluated the effects of transcutaneous neuromodulation applied to the lumbar spine on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM) in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
A single-group prospective cohort study with crossover intervention was conducted from June to December 2021. A convenience sample of 39 patients with CNSLBP was included in this study. Each participant received two interventions in a randomized sequence: transcutaneous neuromodulation tape with magnetic particles (TMP) and placebo kinesiology tape (KT). A one-week washout period was implemented between the interventions. TMP was applied at the lumbar spinal levels for 48 h, following standard recommendations for neuromodulation frequency (constant exposure via magnetic particles), intensity (low-energy field), and time (continuous exposure over two days). The primary outcome measure was PPT assessed using algometry, and the secondary outcome was DROM assessed using the Lunge Test. This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for observational studies.
The Lunge test revealed no significant group-time interaction [F(2, 152) = 0.132, = 0.752], with a small effect size [F(1, 76) = 0.699, = 0.406]. The main effect group showed a small non-significant effect [ = 0.009 (0, 0.091)]. However, the main effect of time was significant [F(2, 152) = 147.669, = 0.001] with a large effect size [ = 0.66 (0.54, 0.735)]. Pairwise leg comparisons were not significant ( > 0.05). For the pressure pain threshold, significant differences ( < 0.05) with moderate to large effect sizes were observed. PPTs varied by vertebral level, with significant differences in site-specific comparisons between specific levels.
Transcutaneous neuromodulation using TMP applied to the lumbar spine reduces perceived pain and increases ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in patients with CNSLBP. These findings suggest that epidermal afferent modulation may contribute to pain relief and motor function enhancement, providing a novel approach for noninvasive pain management.
经皮磁神经调节是一种非侵入性技术，可通过调节表皮传入神经和自主神经系统活动来影响疼痛感知和活动能力。然而，其对慢性非特异性下腰痛（CNSLBP）的影响仍不清楚。
本研究评估了应用于腰椎的经皮神经调节对慢性非特异性下腰痛患者压力疼痛阈值（PPT）和踝关节背屈活动度（DROM）的影响。
于2021年6月至12月进行了一项单组前瞻性队列交叉干预研究。本研究纳入了39例慢性非特异性下腰痛患者的便利样本。每位参与者按随机顺序接受两种干预：含磁性颗粒的经皮神经调节带（TMP）和安慰剂肌动学贴布（KT）。两次干预之间实施为期一周的洗脱期。按照神经调节频率（通过磁性颗粒持续暴露）、强度（低能量场）和时间（连续两天暴露）的标准建议，在腰椎水平应用TMP 48小时。主要结局指标是使用痛觉计评估的PPT，次要结局是使用前弓步试验评估的DROM。本研究遵循观察性研究的STROBE指南。
前弓步试验显示组-时间交互作用不显著[F(2, 152) = 0.132，P = 0.752]，效应量较小[F(1, 76) = 0.699，P = 0.406]。主要效应组显示出较小的非显著效应[P = 0.009(0, 0.091)]。然而，时间的主要效应显著[F(2, 152) = 147.669，P = 0.001]，效应量较大[P = 0.66(0.54, 0.735)]。成对腿比较不显著（P > 0.05）。对于压力疼痛阈值，观察到具有中等到大效应量的显著差异（P < 0.05）。PPT因椎体水平而异，特定水平之间的部位特异性比较存在显著差异。
应用于腰椎的含磁性颗粒经皮神经调节可减轻慢性非特异性下腰痛患者的疼痛感知并增加踝关节背屈活动度。这些发现表明表皮传入神经调节可能有助于缓解疼痛和增强运动功能，为无创疼痛管理提供了一种新方法。
