Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation Enhances Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Outcomes After Stroke

Inclusion Criteria: (1) first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (2) post-stroke duration≤6 months; (3) aged between 20 and 80 years; (4) clinically diagnosed with unilateral upper extremity hemiparesis; (5) baseline active wrist extension≥20°, and active extension≥10° in the thumb and at least two additional fingers, as per the modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (m-CIMT) criteria; (6) Brunnstrom stage of the affected upper extremity≥IV; (7) Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of the wrist and finger flexors≤1+; (8) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score≥21 points; (9) sitting balance≥level 2; (10) had complete medical records documenting receipt of either repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) priming combined with m-CIMT (experimental group) or m-CIMT alone (control group) for at least 4 consecutive weeks, with treatment sessions conducted once daily, 5 days per week; (11) no concurrent participation in other interventional studies or receipt of other neuromodulation therapies during the study period. Exclusion Criteria:(1) severe pre-stroke neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatologic conditions affecting upper extremity function; (2) severe joint pain or contracture limiting wrist movement; (3) complications with severe cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, or infectious diseases; (4) history of epilepsy or seizure disorders; (5) presence of metal implants, cardiac pacemakers…