Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation as an Approach to Peripherally Stimulate the Lesioned Brain

Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a promising neurorehabilitative technique that aims to enhance motor recovery following stroke. rPMS induces non-invasive, pain-free muscle contractions through peripheral magnetic fields and may promote central neuroplasticity via proprioceptive afferent input. Compared with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMS), rPMS enables painless stimulation and deeper tissue penetration. Controlled trials suggest beneficial effects particularly on upper limb motor function, whereas findings regarding spasticity and activities of daily living remain heterogeneous. Recent studies have also investigated the combination of rPMS with central stimulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as a potential approach to target both peripheral and central networks. Despite these promising findings, the generalizability and clinical implementation of rPMS are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous stimulation protocols, and insufficient long-term follow-up. Furthermore, rPMS is rarely included in clinical guidelines, and equipment costs may limit its widespread use. Future research should focus on adequately powered, high-quality RCTs with standardized protocols and long-term assessments to identify patients most likely to benefit from rPMS and to determine whether combinations with central neuromodulation provide additional clinical benefits.