Influence tape on the ANS?
Because of my background in using lateral skin stretch using the German Bindegewebsmassage since 1977, I am very aware of the effects of my/our handling of the skin on the ANS. This study investigated if tape containing magnetic particles (TCMP) has an immediate effect on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and influenced chronic low back pain. Interestingly, the pupil diameter can be used as a direct measure of the ANS function. The pupil diameter is not static; it reflects the direct “live” balance between the two components of the ANS. Sadly, the manner of application of both tapes (one with tape containing magnetic particles (TCMP) and the control tape without) is not mentioned at all.
The primary aim was to investigate if paravertebral applied tape with magnetic particles in the low back region had an immediate systemic effect on the ANS measured with a method of fully automated pupillometry. The secondary aim was to investigate if the application of this TCMP resulted in an immediate change in local generated pain with posterior to anterior spinous process pressure and the segmental skin pinch test. The authors state that; "The results demonstrate that TCMP had an immediate significant effect on the autonomic nervous system and resulted in decreased chronic lower back pain."
Not having had a background in statistics does make reading and understanding articles a little more difficult for me. In their paragraph: limitations to this study the authors state: 'First, the pupil diameter itself is by no means only pain specific. It does appear as though the pupil diameter is an indication for general arousal, stress, anxiety and noxious stimulation. We cannot identify if any of these factors affected the outcomes of this study. However, since the pupil measures were taken immediately following the application of the tape, the pupillometry findings should be a direct reflection of the change in autonomic functioning. Secondly, the subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the control or the TCMP first. The results of this study support the premise that the tape directly affects the functioning of the keratinocytes. What cannot be determined is if the subjects that received the TCMP first had a carry-over effect into the second day of testing when the placebo tape was used.
I would like to add that thirdly, the authors did not manage to make my understanding of how either tapes would influence the ANS clear. I would have liked to have seen a placebo group with the researcher just touching that area of skin with their hands, for 5 minutes for example, and then testing. The other, yes but = is regarding the skin pinch test for assessing pain. I have used the skin pinch test my whole career, never to check for pain, but to check for skin mobility and general 'feel of hydration'. Look forward to hearing your ideas and responses, hoping you can help me understand more.
The Sham and/or Placebo tapes
The number and variety of sham or placebo tapes applied in studies looking into the effects of Elastic Therapeutic Tape (ETT) is large. What is a sham tape or a placebo tape exactly? I have found a large variety of sham/placebo tapes described in studies. Food for misunderstanding.
When searching for articles using placebo or sham tapes, we encounter another difficulty. ETT tape is also known as: Aku-Taping, Elastic bandage, Elastic Medical Device, Elastic taping, Elasticity-Taping, Elastic Therapeutic Taping, Elastic Rehabilitative Taping, Extensibility Taping, Emotional Taping, Fascia taping, Human Taping, Kinaesthetic taping, Kineotaping, Kinesiotherapy, Kinetic Taping, KinesioTaping, Kinesiology Taping, K-Active taping, K-taping, KT-taping, Medi-(DAS)Taping, Medical Taping Concept, MyoFascial Taping, NeuroTaping, NeuroMuscularTaping, Neuro Structural Taping, Physio-tape & Senso-Taping. The variety of names was needed as the original Kinesio Taping® Method developed by Dr. K. Kase is trademarked and registered. The result is that this name cannot be used without permission. Others have followed and also trademarked their method and tape brand.
What are these sham- or placebo (P/S) tapes?
Can they be considered a variable? How variable are they?
Sham of placebo tape can be:
1. tape that has copied the original tape in the same area of the body without using stretch
2. tape that has copied the original tape in a different area of the body with stretch
3. tape that has copied the original tape in a different area of the body without stretch
4. a complete different ET-tape applied nearby
5. a complete different ET-tape application applied in a distant body part
6. a different application in the same dermatome
7. a cross patch (used in Energy taping methods)
8. another material altogether (rigid tape or wound dressing or elastic bandage)
I do wonder if we should be using P/S tapes in studies at all? As any material that sticks to the body will be a sensory stimulus, this P/S tape is neither placebo nor sham, it is a stimulus. This has been wonderfully shown in a number of studies that have found that P/S tapes have a similar or even better result when compared with the tape application being tested.
Common sense dictates that research studies should not use placebo or sham tapes as a placebo. In my opinion it would be best to compare a group with a certain therapy, to a group with the same therapy and tape. Thankfully there are colleagues doing just that.
Want to know more about what we now call the P-tape?
Highly recommended: work Dr. J-C Guimberteau.
Dr. Guimberteau's research has been made available at the https://endovivo.com website.
For just €50 a year, you have unlimited streaming access to these 1,500 video sequences and 200 unique animations. https://vod.endovivo.com/en/
Are you interested in knowing more about the treatment options for the congenital diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis muscles? I have developed a series of three courses complementing each other, all discussing various aspects and treatment options.
I am extremely happy to be able to inform you that the whole cDRA series is now available on Embodia.
Wishing you all well. Esther
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