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Back PainCERFITNCT04651426

Use of a Non-medicated Plaster in Chronic Lumbar Back Pain.

A study testing The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1 in people with Back Pain, run by Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona at 1 site in Italy.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The investigator assessed 54 patients with chronic lumbar back pain treated with FIT Therapy (far infrared technology) patch. The criteria for inclusion were chronic lumbar back pain due to overstress or to contracture and patients over 30 years old. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 30 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Back Pain
What is being tested?
The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
54 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
1 Aug 2019to 30 Oct 2019
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 30 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • chronic lumbar spine pain due to muscle contractures or over-use
  • a signed informed consent
  • patients 30 years of age or older.

Who cannot join

  • infections
  • neoplastic masses
  • neuropathies
  • metabolic disorders triggering the lumbar pain

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Italy1 site
  • Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata

    Verona, 37126

Other trials in Italy

About this study

The investigator assessed 54 patients with chronic lumbar back pain treated with FIT Therapy (far infrared technology) patch. The criteria for inclusion were chronic lumbar back pain due to overstress or to contracture and patients over 30 years old. Patients with tumors, infections, neurological and metabolic diseases were excluded. Three different types of FIT Therapy patches (F4, F3 and the placebo) were used according to the different power of action. The patches were self-removed after 5 days. At day 8 new ones were applied for other five days and at day 14 patients were dismissed. Every single patient was assessed during the study using the VAS pain scale, the Roland Morris questionnaire for quality of life and the range of motion (ROM).

Read the detailed description

First and foremost, the investigators obtained the ethical committee approval, then 54 patients were enrolled since May 2019 to November 2019, at the AOUI (Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata) Verona. Prospective analysis in a 3-arm, randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled study was performed to assess the effect of FIT Therapy patches on the chronic lumbar spine pain and on the ROM.

The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1 which mechanism of action is through the ability of biominerals to reflect the far infrared radiation (FIR).

Normally the human body temperature would dissipate regular far infrared radiations but, thanks to the FIT Therapy (Far Infrared Technology), these waves are reflected and allowed to reach deeper areas in the human body (wavelength spectrum is 4-21 µm with a denser concentration around 11 µm).

Every FIT device act as a mirror and they are able to induce an antalgic effect simply thanks to this biophysical process, therefore without releasing any active ingredient or creating a thermic shock.

The plasters are made of 100% polypropylene non-woven fabric, an acrylic adhesive mass and a mix of titanium dioxide printed on. This particular mix in powder form is characterized by particles sizes above 100 nm. The intrinsic properties of the FIT technology are due to the mix of titanium dioxides that reflect the FIR emitted by the human body.

Three different plasters were used: a placebo (without any biomineral, therefore with no reflectance ability); an "F3" patch and an "F4" one, characterized by different power of action (F4 has a broader spectrum of refrigency than F3). The 3 plasters presented no difference in size, color and shape.

Patients were subdivided in 3 randomized groups.The Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used. The Range of Motion (ROM) evaluation consisted of flexion and extension, lateral bending and rotation of the lumbar spine.

The trial consisted of a total of 14 days for each patient. At day 0, during the first clinical encounter, patients were enrolled by signing an informed consent. Still during the encounter, the lumbar spine ROM was measured, the VAS and the RMDQ administered. Only after all these necessary steps the first patch was applied. Every patient was given a RMDQ and a journal, which had to be updated daily, and at the same time every day, with the pain level experienced and any adverse effect to the FIT Therapy patch. At day 5 the patch was self-removed and the RMDQ given during the first encounter filled. The second clinical encounter was at day 8. The patients' ROM and VAS were tested for the second time and a new FIT Therapy patch was applied. At day 13 the FIT Therapy patch was dismissed and a second RMDQ filled at home. The last clinical encounter was held at day 14 and once again all 54 patients' ROM and VAS were assessed. Finally, the daily journal was collected, and patients were asked if any other pain medication was self-administered during the entirety of the tests.

Conditions
Back Pain
Being tested
The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1
Keywords
non-medicated plaster, lumbar back pain, FIT Therapy
Medical subject headings
Back Pain, Low Back Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1Device

    The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1 which mechanism of action is through the ability of biominerals to reflect the far infrared radiation (FIR). Normally the human body temperature would dissipate regular far infrared radiations but, thanks to the FIT Therapy (Far Infrared Technology), these waves are reflected and allowed to reach deeper areas in the human body (wavelength spectrum is 4-21 µm with a denser concentration around 11 µm).

    Every FIT device act as a mirror and they are able to induce an antalgic effect simply thanks to this biophysical process, therefore without releasing any active ingredient or creating a thermic shock.

    The plasters are made of 100% polypropylene non-woven fabric, an acrylic adhesive mass and a mix of titanium dioxide printed on. This particular mix in powder form is characterized by particles sizes above 100 nm.

Study groups in NCT04651426
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorThe Placebo is a Patch identical to the F3 and F4 patches in aesthetics but without any biomineral, therefore with no reflectance ability.
Receives: Device: The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1
F3 PatchActive comparatorThe F3 is a patch made of 100% polypropylene non-woven fabric, an acrylic adhesive mass and a mix of titanium dioxide printed on with a refringency spectrum 2 m x kg
Receives: Device: The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1
F4 PatchActive comparatorThe F4 is a patch made of 100% polypropylene non-woven fabric, an acrylic adhesive mass and a mix of titanium dioxide printed on with a refringency spectrum of 4 m x kg
Receives: Device: The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The changes induced by the different types of FIT Therapy patches (placebo, "F3" and "F4"), in the pain level due to lower back pain, measured on the VAS scale.

    VAS scale (Visual Analogic Scale)

    Measured: The VAS scale results were compared, between the different patches, at day 0, 5, 8 and 14.

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Changes in the Range Of Motion (ROM)

    Degrees of flexion-extension and lateral bending of the patient.

    Measured: The degrees of motion were absessed at day 0, day 8 and day 14

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 Dec 2020
  2. Study start1 Aug 2019
  3. Primary completion15 Oct 2019
  4. Study completion30 Oct 2019

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Prospective analysis in a 3-arm, randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled stud
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
54 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04651426
Sponsor's protocol ID
2128CESC
Acronym
CERFIT
Status last verified
Nov 2020
First submitted
17 Oct 2020
Last updated
3 Dec 2020
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Wong CH, Lin LC, Lee HH, Liu CF. The analgesic effect of thermal therapy after total knee arthroplasty. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Feb;18(2):175-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0815.

    PubMed 22339105
  • Lee CH, Roh JW, Lim CY, Hong JH, Lee JK, Min EG. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a far infrared-emitting sericite belt in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Complement Ther Med. 2011 Aug;19(4):187-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2011.06.004. Epub 2011 Jul 16.

    PubMed 21827932
  • Allegri M, Montella S, Salici F, Valente A, Marchesini M, Compagnone C, Baciarello M, Manferdini ME, Fanelli G. Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy. F1000Res. 2016 Jun 28;5:F1000 Faculty Rev-1530. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.8105.2. eCollection 2016.

    PubMed 27408698
  • Bagnato GL, Miceli G, Atteritano M, Marino N, Bagnato GF. Far infrared emitting plaster in knee osteoarthritis: a single blinded, randomised clinical trial. Reumatismo. 2012 Dec 20;64(6):388-94. doi: 10.4081/reumatismo.2012.388.

    PubMed 23285483
  • Lai CH, Leung TK, Peng CW, Chang KH, Lai MJ, Lai WF, Chen SC. Effects of far-infrared irradiation on myofascial neck pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Feb;20(2):123-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0122. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

    PubMed 24152215
  • Ricci M, Micheloni GM, Perusi F, Corbo VR, Vecchini E, Magnan B. Use of a non-medicated plaster in shoulder tendinopathies. Acta Biomed. 2016 Apr 15;87 Suppl 1:90-4.

    PubMed 27104326
  • Hoy D, Bain C, Williams G, March L, Brooks P, Blyth F, Woolf A, Vos T, Buchbinder R. A systematic review of the global prevalence of low back pain. Arthritis Rheum. 2012 Jun;64(6):2028-37. doi: 10.1002/art.34347. Epub 2012 Jan 9.

    PubMed 22231424
  • Ma K, Zhuang ZG, Wang L, Liu XG, Lu LJ, Yang XQ, Lu Y, Fu ZJ, Song T, Huang D, Liu H, Huang YQ, Peng BG, Liu YQ. The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain (CASP): Consensus on the Assessment and Management of Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain. Pain Res Manag. 2019 Aug 15;2019:8957847. doi: 10.1155/2019/8957847. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 31511784
  • Will JS, Bury DC, Miller JA. Mechanical Low Back Pain. Am Fam Physician. 2018 Oct 1;98(7):421-428.

    PubMed 30252425
  • Santos LF, Correia IJ, Silva AS, Mano JF. Biomaterials for drug delivery patches. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2018 Jun 15;118:49-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.03.020. Epub 2018 Mar 20.

    PubMed 29572160
  • Pastore MN, Kalia YN, Horstmann M, Roberts MS. Transdermal patches: history, development and pharmacology. Br J Pharmacol. 2015 May;172(9):2179-209. doi: 10.1111/bph.13059. Epub 2015 Mar 18.

    PubMed 25560046
  • Miller K. Transdermal patches: past, present and future. Ther Deliv. 2015;6(6):639-41. doi: 10.4155/tde.15.16. No abstract available.

    PubMed 26149780
  • Tsai SR, Hamblin MR. Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2017 May;170:197-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.04.014. Epub 2017 Apr 13.

    PubMed 28441605
  • Johnstone DM, Moro C, Stone J, Benabid AL, Mitrofanis J. Turning On Lights to Stop Neurodegeneration: The Potential of Near Infrared Light Therapy in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci. 2016 Jan 11;9:500. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00500. eCollection 2015.

    PubMed 26793049
  • Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012 Nov 1;4:255-266. doi: 10.1515/plm-2012-0034.

    PubMed 23833705

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing The FIT Therapy patch (D. FENSTEC s.r.l. Altavilla Vicentina, Italy) is a medical device class 1 in people with Back Pain, run by Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona at 1 site in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Dec 2020. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The changes induced by the different types of FIT Therapy patches (placebo, "F3" and "F4"), in the pain level due to lower back pain, measured on the VAS scale. (time frame: The VAS scale results were compared, between the different patches, at day 0, 5, 8 and 14.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04651426, which also lists 21 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Dec 2020.

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