Efficacy of functional magnetic stimulation in improving upper extremity function after stroke: a randomized, single-blind, controlled study

Abstract

Objective To clarify the efficacy of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) in improving hemiplegic upper extremity function in patients with sub-acute stroke. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, 40 sub-acute stroke patients with hemiplegia were recruited from inpatient wards in the Department of Rehabilitation and randomly assigned to two groups. In the FMS group, magnetic stimulation was applied to extensor muscle groups of the affected upper extremity. In the low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) group, stimulation was applied to the contralesional primary motor cortex. All patients received occupational therapy. Hand and upper extremity motor function was evaluated using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE), and the Barthel Index (BI) evaluated daily living abilities. Results The FMA-UE and BI scores were significantly increased in both groups following stimulation. Furthermore, a significant between-group difference was observed in both FMA-UE and BI scores after 2 weeks of therapy. In the FMS group, 6 of 19 patients regained wrist and finger extension abilities, but only 2 patients regained equivalent motor skills in the LF-rTMS group Conclusions FMS improves paretic upper extremity function and leads to better recovery of motor activity than LF-rTMS. FMS may be a novel modality to improve motor function.

Functional Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation (frNMS) Targeting the Tibialis Anterior Muscle in Children with Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome: A Feasibility Study

“…So far, rNMS has mainly been studied in adults affected by hemiparesis after stroke. The available evidence demonstrates beneficial effects with regard to muscle tone, strength, motor control, and pain in this cohort [20,39,48,49,54,[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]. Because it is painless and does not require the attachment of electrodes or cables [20,21,25,41,74], rNMS represents an interesting option for pediatric patients, too.…”

The effects of combined high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and cervical nerve root magnetic stimulation on upper extremity motor recovery following stroke

“…Litvak's experiment (Litvak et al, 2007) proved that magnetic stimulation of muscles or peripheral nerves can help the upper limb motor function recovery of stroke patients by promoting the plasticity change of M1 region and providing sensory input. The study of Chen et al (2020) proved that PMS can improve the Fugl-Meyer score and Barthel index of upper limbs in stroke patients, and the efficacy is superior to LF-RTMS. Struppler et al (2007) study on eight patients with mild paralysis after focal cerebral ischemia found that after repeated PMS, the recovery of hand function and the decrease of spasticity were related to the significant increase of neural activation within the superior posterior parietal lobe and the premotor cortex areas.…”

Post-stroke Hemichorea Responding to Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Using a Parabolic Coil: A Case Report

“…Therefore, in this study, a parabolic coil was adopted over the left M1, which could stimulate the SMA at the same time to enhance the therapeutic effect. The parabolic coil was often used peripherally to improve swallowing and respiratory and motor function after stroke [13][14][15]. However, to our knowledge, this is the rst description of poststroke hemichorea treated with rTMS by a parabolic coil.…”