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

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.