OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate short-term and long-term effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rpMS) on spasticity and motor function. DESIGN: Monocentric randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. SETTING: Neurologic rehabilitation hospital PARTICIPANTS: 66 patients with severe hemiparesis and mild to moderate spasticity due to a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. On average, time since injury was 26 or 37 weeks for the intervention groups with a standard deviation of 71 and 82, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: RpMS for 20 min or sham stimulation with subsequently occupational therapy for 20 min, two times a day over a 2-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Modified Tardieu scale and Fugl-Meyer assessment (arm score), assessed before therapy, at the end of the 2-week treatment period, and 2 weeks after study treatment. Additionally, the Tardieu scale was assessed after the 1st and before the 3rd therapy session to determine any short-term effects. RESULTS: Spasticity (Tardieu > 0) was present in 83% of wrist flexors, 62% of elbow flexors, 44% of elbow extensors, and 10% of wrist extensors. Compared to the sham stimulation group the rpMS group showed short-term effects on spasticity for wrist flexors (p = 0.048), and long-term effects for elbow extensors (p < 0.045). Arm motor function (rpMS group median 5 (4 to 27); sham group 4 (4 to 9)) did not significantly change over the study period in either group, whereas rpMS had a positive effect on sensory function. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy with rpMS increases sensory function in patients with severe limb paresis. The magnetic stimulation has, however, limited effect on spasticity and no effect on motor function.

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