Theory of multichannel magnetic stimulation: Toward functional neuromuscular rehabilitation

Human excitable cells can be stimulated noninvasively with externally appli ed time-varying electromagnetic fields. The stimulation can be achieved eit her by directly driving current into the tissue (electrical stimulation) or by means of electromagnetic induction (magnetic stimulation). While the el ectrical stimulation of the peripheral neuromuscular system has many benefi cial applications, peripheral magnetic stimulation has so far only a few, T his paper analyzes theoretically the use of multiple magnetic stimulation c oils to better control the excitation and also to eventually mimic electric al stimulation. Multiple coils allow electronic spatial adjustment of the s hape and location of the stimulus without moving the coils. The new propert ies may enable unforeseen uses for peripheral magnetic stimulation, e.g., i n rehabilitation of patients with neuromuscular impairment.