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DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812163
Exploring Neuromuscular Mechanisms of Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study in Healthy Controls
Authors
Background/Purpose: Repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) targeting the upper trapezius muscles (UTM) has shown promising results as a noninvasive, nonpharmacological therapy for episodic migraine. Effects are hypothesized to involve modulation of the trigemino-cervical complex. Nevertheless, its underlying mechanisms, both at the neuromuscular and central levels, are not yet fully understood. The aim of this randomized, sham-controlled, multiparametric diagnostic study was to elucidate the physiological pathways of rNMS in healthy controls.
Methods: Seventy healthy participants (18–35 years) were randomly allocated to receive either active (verum) or sham stimulation via rNMS. The intervention consisted of six rNMS sessions over a 2-week period targeting the UTM bilaterally (20 Hz, 7 seconds on-time, 10 seconds off-time, 15 minutes per side). The verum group received rNMS using a certified device (Zimmer MedizinSysteme GmbH, Neu-Ulm, Germany), while the sham group received treatment with an identical-looking device that did not generate electromagnetic fields. Before and after the rNMS intervention and at a 3-month follow-up, all subjects underwent a physical examination of the UTM, including identification of myofascial trigger points, assessment of pressure pain thresholds (PPT) via algometry, infrared thermography (IRT), and B-mode sonography.
Results: To evaluate the physiological effects of the rNMS intervention in a healthy population, changes in PPT, IRT parameters, and sonography characteristics are currently analyzed and compared between verum and sham groups before and after the rNMS intervention, as well as at a 3-month follow-up. At the time of submission, the analyses are still ongoing, but the results will be available at the time of the congress.
Conclusion: Findings from this study will help to more thoroughly understand the mechanisms underlying rNMS stimulation at the UTM. This will also enable better treatment set-ups using rNMS in for instance episodic migraine.
Die Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.
Publikationsverlauf
Artikel online veröffentlicht:
26. September 2025
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