Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for improving upper limb function in post-stroke hemiparesis

Abstract Background Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, with hand and arm weakness, affecting the patients’ daily activities and quality of life. Recently, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) was found to enhance neuroplasticity and motor recovery post-stroke hemiparesis via its deep proprioceptive stimulation and simulation of lost voluntary movement. Objective To determine the therapeutic effect of rPMS on the functional improvement of upper limb in patients with hemiparesis following cerebrovascular insult and to compare the effect of therapy in subacute and chronic cases. Results Post-rehabilitation program both the Fugl-Meyer-Upper Extremity scale (FM-UE) and Functional Independence Measures (FIM) scale showed highly significant improvement in the active group, compared to controls. Regarding active range of motion (AROM) of the shoulder abductors, triceps, wrist extensors and supinators, significant differences were also found in the active group in comparison to controls. Modified Ashworth scale showed also significant change in the active group. When dividing our patients according to the duration post-stroke, into subacute group (6 weeks to 6 months post-stroke) and chronic group (more than 6-month post-stroke), the subacute group showed significant improvements in the FM-UE scale, and in the AROM of wrist extensors and supinators but not in the chronic group. Ultrasonographic measurements showed a significant decrease in cross sectional area of the control group. Conclusion rPMS is potentially effective in improving motor recovery post-stroke, especially in the subacute stage.