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 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. “This therapy has shown beneficial effects upon organized brain electrical activity and, most importantly, was associated with improved functional recovery for patients after stroke.”
Researchers analyzed combined data from two double-blind, randomized controlled studies involving 124 stroke survivors. Of these, 65 received ENTF therapy and 59 received sham treatment. Participants were enrolled on average 14 days after stroke and had moderate to severe disability, with an average modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3.9. All underwent 40 to 45 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks, with both groups receiving physical therapy during stimulation. ENTF therapy began in the hospital and continued at home using portable kits.
The analysis found that the percentage of participants who achieved freedom from disability (mRS 0-1) was 22% higher in the ENTF group (33.8% versus 11.9%). Measurable improvements were also seen across the full range of disability outcomes, with less moderate to severe disability (mRS 3-5) and less moderate disability (mRS 2). 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 that the results are preliminary and highlight the need for larger trials. “ENTF showed no safety issues, and there’s a strong demand for new recovery methods post-stroke,” said Broderick, a professor at the University of Cincinnati’s Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
The main limitation is that the study is an analysis of two small pilot studies; a single larger trial is needed to confirm these 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.
The study included 124 adults with ischemic stroke, average age 58 years, 31% women. Data came from the BQ3 and EMAGINE trials conducted between 2021 and 2025. Participants were randomized to ENTF or sham treatment 4 to 21 days after stroke. The primary outcome was disability-free status (mRS 0-1) at 8-12 weeks.
More information on stroke recovery can be found at the American Stroke Association’s Recovery After Stroke page.
