Applications of Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation in Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Peripheral magnetic stimulation is increasingly used to treat dysfunctions associated with various disorders. However, there is currently no consensus regarding its efficacy across specific populations, disease conditions, intervention settings, treatment durations, or outcomes. This scoping review aimed to identify, summarize, and map relevant literature on peripheral magnetic stimulation, clarifying its application by disease type, treatment site, functional impairments, outcomes, and intervention setting.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across several databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PEDro. Studies that examined the impact of peripheral magnetic stimulation on dysfunction across all disease types and populations were included.

Results: Of 804 screened articles, 97 met the inclusion criteria. Peripheral magnetic stimulation was primarily used for musculoskeletal, neurological, and incontinence-related diseases, focusing on disease-specific outcomes related to muscle and physical function in the affected areas. Conversely, its use in internal diseases was predominantly limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with few studies addressing its efficacy in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, peripheral magnetic stimulation settings varied widely, even when applied to similar diseases or dysfunctions.

Conclusions: Peripheral magnetic stimulation is primarily used to treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and incontinence-related diseases, with outcomes centered on disease-specific assessments of muscle and physical function. However, its application in internal diseases remains limited, especially in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. In addition, standardized peripheral magnetic stimulation prescriptions have not yet been established. Future studies should emphasize its implementation in underserved diseases and dysfunctions and establish standardized treatment protocols.