Have you heard about the new vibro-tactile technology for pain management ?
What is vibro-tactile technology?
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and its surface is an effective channel for transmitting information through touch. Tactility is the sensation perceived by the sense of touch, resulting from the stimulation of skin receptors by modalities such as vibration and pressure. The concept of tactile technologies is based on the skin’s ability to transmit information using these modalities. Vibro-tactile technologies are composed of vibrating components that deliver information through parameters such as frequency, amplitude, waveform or duration. Feedback is generally provided by small, light vibrators, such as those in a telephone that vibrates in our pocket when a call is received.
Do you know about super patches?
Recently, The Super Patch Company introduced its new Super Patches, featuring ‘vibro-tactile technology’. To see how this technology is supposed to work, take a look at Figure 1.
Figure 1: Description of Super Patch vibro-tactile technology.
What do the experts think?
Pain management experts are sceptical about this technology, which claims to use a system of ridge patterns, similar to a QR code, to send signals to the brain. According to these experts, the device looks more like a simple piece of flexible, transparent plastic, decorated with a raised pattern reminiscent of a fingerprint. They add that no vibrations are detectable and that there are no apparent internal components to support the manufacturer’s claims.
What do the studies supporting the ‘vibro-tactile technology’ of Super Patches say?
The company claims that its Super Patch has been clinically tested. However, a close examination of the so-called ‘scientific’ articles cited as evidence reveals two significant shortcomings. Firstly, several of these studies have not been subjected to a critical evaluation process by specialists in the field, which is essential to confirm their reliability and validity. Secondly, the journals that published some of these studies, such as the International Journal of Family Medicine & Healthcare and Anesthesia & Pain Research, although they claim to have undergone an expert review process, are not included in recognised scientific databases, casting doubt on the legitimacy of their publications.
Further investigation reveals that only two peer-reviewed articles support the technology used in Super Patches to treat pain.
The first study assessed the impact of ‘tactile stimulation’ of socks equipped with ‘vibro-tactile technology’ on brain activity, compared with brain activity measured when participants wore standard socks (Figure 2).
Although the study compares individuals using socks equipped with ‘vibro-tactile technology’ with those wearing standard socks, it neglects certain fundamental practices to ensure the reliability of the results. On the one hand, it lacks randomisation, which means that the order in which the socks were used was not randomly assigned to the participants. On the other hand, there was no blinding of participants, so everyone was aware of the type of socks they were testing. Furthermore, although the article mentions a positive effect of socks with vibro-tactile technology according to the statistics, there is no tangible proof that this actually modifies pain sensations or improves the participants’ quality of life.
Figure 2. Socks equipped with ‘vibro-tactile technology
The second study tested the effectiveness of Super Patches in treating chronic pain in 148 adults. Although the results reveal differences that seem to favour the ‘vibro-tactile technology’, the study methodology again did not involve randomisation or blinding of participants.
Why is it essential to use methods such as randomisation and blinding in scientific research?
Well, these techniques are essential to ensure that the results of a study are reliable and credible. Randomisation is a bit like flipping a coin to decide who gets which treatment in the study and when. It helps to ensure that the groups being compared are similar and that any differences observed are really due to the treatment and not to other factors. Blinding, on the other hand, means that neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the real treatment or another option with no effect (placebo). This prevents the expectations of those involved from influencing the results, thereby maintaining the objectivity of the study. Together, these methods make it possible to confidently attribute the effects observed directly to the treatment studied, by eliminating the impact of perceptions or preconceived expectations.
Why do researchers report significant positive effects with ‘vibro-tactile technology’ in these studies?
If we assume that the researchers acted with integrity and actually obtained the results presented, it is possible that the methodology used allowed the placebo effect to improve participants’ perception of the results. This placebo effect, which is well known in research, occurs when the expectation of an improvement due to an innovative treatment leads participants to feel and report better results, even if the treatment is not really effective. Internationally renowned researcher Professor Serge Marchand explores the power of the placebo effect in depth in the following podcast: The intriguing placebo phenomenon!
What are the important details to know about Super Patches?
Super Patches are not approved by Health Canada, which raises questions about their safe and regulated use. In terms of cost, they can quickly become expensive: a pack of 28 patches is sold for $60, with each patch lasting 24 hours. It is also mentioned that two to three patches can be used simultaneously. What’s more, according to the information available on the company’s website, Super Patches are claimed to be drug-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, latex-free, hypoallergenic and GMO-free. However, one point of concern is that the company has not disclosed the exact composition of these patches, as highlighted in their promotional video entitled What ingredients are in the Super Patch? This lack of transparency on ingredients can be a cause for concern for consumers concerned about the composition of the products they use.
Why are Super Patches such a hot topic?
This product is making a name for itself in the highly competitive market for health products sold online, where it is presented as a miraculous solution to everyday health problems. The craze for quick remedies has led to a strong demand for such products. The Canadian company The Super Patch Company is well aware of this trend, and has launched a dynamic marketing campaign on social networks, with many testimonials praising the almost magical virtues of their patches. In addition, the company organises dynamic events where it distributes free samples, increasing its visibility and popularity.
What should we remember?
Vibro-tactile technology, used in products such as Super Patches, is being marketed as a revolutionary solution for pain management, although the scientific evidence to support it remains questionable. The studies mentioned lack essential methodological rigour such as randomisation and blinding, which could influence the reliability of their results. What’s more, as Super Patches are not approved by regulatory bodies such as Health Canada, their safety and efficacy remain uncertain. Transparency regarding the ingredients and composition of the patches is also lacking, raising further concerns for careful consumers. Despite these grey areas, the product’s popularity has been boosted by skilful marketing, and the placebo effect could play a significant role in user testimonials. In conclusion, it is essential to remain informed and critical of miracle health products, especially when their effectiveness is not clearly established.
By Martine Bordeleau, postdoctoral researcher at the Université de Sherbrooke, specialist in sensory evaluation and the use of vibro-tactile technologies
Additional references
Journal de Montréal : “C’est extrêmement préoccupant»: des experts s’inquiètent des populaires «Super Patch» qui soi-disant guérissent tout.“
Pharmachien : “Mon analyse des fameuses SUPER PATCH“
La Facture : “Des prétentions qui ne collent pas“
