Effects of Low-Frequency Magnetic Field Stimulation on Functional Recovery After Stroke: A Comparative Study of Head and Pelvic Applications

Objectives: Extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) stimulation has been investigated as an adjunctive treatment in stroke rehabilitation; however, the influence of stimulation site on functional recovery remains unclear. To our knowledge, no clinical study has directly compared head and pelvic girdle applications. This study aimed to compare the effects of both application sites with rehabilitation alone. Methods: In this randomized study, 112 participants were included in the final analysis: 26 in the head stimulation group, 47 in the pelvic girdle stimulation group, and 39 in the control group. All participants received intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy. ELF-MF treatment consisted of 10 sessions at 40 Hz and 5 mT. Functional outcomes and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at three time points through day 35. Results: All functional outcomes improved significantly over time (all p < 0.001). Median FIM gains were 34, 30, and 26 points in the head, pelvic, and control groups, respectively (p = 0.011). A significant group-by-time interaction was observed for FIM scores (p = 0.003; partial η2 = 0.093), with greater improvement in both stimulation groups compared with controls and no significant difference between application sites. Between-group differences in Barthel Index improvement were significant before age adjustment (p = 0.044) but not after adjustment (p = 0.063). No significant between-group differences were observed for other functional outcomes or inflammatory biomarkers. No stimulation-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Adjunctive ELF-MF stimulation was associated with greater improvement in functional independence during stroke rehabilitation, without demonstrated superiority of either application site. These findings require confirmation in larger studies with longer follow-up.