A type of therapy that stimulates specific brain pathways with electromagnetic pulses, combined with physical therapy, significantly reduced overall disability in stroke survivors compared to those who received sham electromagnetic stimulation plus physical therapy, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026.
Although advances in stroke treatments have saved lives, many survivors still face disabilities that prevent them from returning to normal daily activities. Researchers examined electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy, which stimulates interconnected networks related to motor movement, cognitive functions and other brain activities. "These neural networks show electrical disorganization after a stroke. Stimulating these networks with electromagnetic pulse patterns derived from studies in people who have not had a stroke can model and facilitate the reestablishment of normal network organization," said lead study author Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., FAHA, a distinguished professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Researchers combined data from two double-blind, randomized, controlled studies involving 124 stroke survivors: 65 treated with ENTF therapy and 59 with sham treatment. Participants were enrolled on average 14 days after stroke, with moderate to severe disability (average modified Rankin Scale score of 3.9). All received 40 to 45 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks, plus physical therapy. The analysis found that 33.8% of ENTF participants achieved freedom from disability compared to 11.9% in the sham group—a 22% higher rate. Measurable improvements were also seen across the full range of disability outcomes, with less moderate to severe disability. No serious adverse effects were reported.
"It's clear that we need more effective rehabilitation therapies to fully improve patient outcomes. This promising potential therapy is unique in that it would be able to be conducted at home by the stroke survivor using a portable kit," Saver said. American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA, noted, "This study examines two small trials... The results are preliminary, highlighting the need for larger trials with balanced participant groups to assess the therapy's effectiveness."
The main limitation is that it is an analysis of data from two small pilot studies, and a single larger trial is needed to confirm results. According to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2026 Update, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. Motor impairment is the most common complication after stroke. The study included 124 adults with ischemic stroke, average age 58 years, 31% women. Participants were randomized to ENTF or sham treatment between 4 and 21 days after stroke. The primary outcome was being disability-free (mRS 0-1) at 8-12 weeks. The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. For more information on stroke recovery, visit the American Stroke Association's recovery resources.
