A pilot study of peripheral magnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy for motor function in early acute stroke survivors with sensory ataxic hemiparesis

Patients with sensory ataxic hemiparesis face a poorer recovery prognosis than those with pure motor deficits. We explored the feasibility and efficacy of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) combined with physical therapy (PT) for improving upper extremity (UE) function in early acute stroke survivors. Eighteen Participants were randomized to rPMS group (20 min rPMS + 20 min PT) or conventional PT group (40 min PT). Outcomes (the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the UE motor section of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale (FMA-UE), and the Thumb Localizing Test (TLT)) were primarily analyzed using duration-corrected gain (gain normalized by sessions) to account for a significant dose imbalance (rPMS mean 6.5 vs. Control mean 12.8 sessions). A robustness ANCOVA was performed on the FMA-UE Post-score, adjusting for baseline scores and dose. The rPMS group received fewer total sessions but demonstrated significantly greater gains in WMFT and FMA-UE after dose correction. The ANCOVA confirmed a robust and statistically significant treatment effect on FMA-UE Post-score (F(1,11) = 5.984, p = 0.032). TLT showed a moderate effect size (r = 0.44). rPMS combined with PT is feasible and significantly enhances the rate of UE motor recovery, even after rigorous statistical adjustment for dose imbalance. Future studies in larger cohorts are warranted.Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (February 1, 2019) https//www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/. Unique identifier UMIN000047323.