Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Octane Aether for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain

A Randomized, Double-blind, Sham-controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of the Octane [Aether] Bioelectricity Device for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety of the Octane Aether device and to determine whether the device is effective in treating symptoms of non-specific chronic low back pain in adults. The Octane Aether is a wearable device that produces specific magnetic field outputs and is designed for daily use in a home setting. The main objectives of the trial are:

• To measure the change in patient-reported pain scores during active treatment with the device compared to a sham treatment, and
• To define and describe the adverse effects, if any, of the Octane Aether device when administered according to the protocol.

Every participant will evaluate three active output modes and a sham output using the same device. Patient-reported outcomes will inform the effectiveness of each output mode and help identify the need for personalization in magnetic field therapy.

Participants will:

• Use the device at home for 60 minutes every day for 10 weeks,
• Report daily pain scores using an electronic visual analog scale for pain intensity,
• Visit the clinic 5 times over the course of the 13 week trial for checkups and device changes,
• Respond to 3 phone calls for checkups, and
• Fill various questionnaires related to disability, quality of life, and their back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to provide informed consent;
• Aged 18-65;
• Pain intensity of at least 5 on a numerical rating scale (0-10);
• Experiencing chronic low back pain that has persisted for ≥3 months;
• Pain localized primarily to the lumbar spine region;
• Conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, NSAIDs and lifestyle changes, have failed over the past 6 months. Participants are allowed to continue conservative treatments, but changes to use/frequency will be tracked; and
• Must be able to attend 5 in-person clinic appointments over the 13-week study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Began using new prescription medication for pain within the past 3 months;
• Lumbar spine surgery (within the past 12 months);
• Body Mass Index (BMI)> 35. The device may have diminished effectiveness and/or may not fit individuals with high BMI;
• Presence of a cardiac pacemaker;
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• Presence of ferromagnetic implants or body piercings (e.g., navel piercings) in the lumbar region, including hip implants/replacements or similar in the pelvic region, that could interfere with device function;
• Inability to put on, adjust, and/or operate the wearable device without assistance;
• Prior use of PEMF, or other electromagnetic field-emitting device, for the treatment of pain symptoms;
• No, or inconsistent, access to internet (emailed surveys are used for daily data collection); and
• Any condition or diagnosis that could in the opinion of the Principal Investigator or delegate interfere with the participant's ability to comply with study instructions, might confound the interpretation of the study results, or put the participant at risk.