DALLAS - 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, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026 in New Orleans, Feb. 4-6, 2026.
Researchers analyzed data from two double-blind, randomized, controlled trials involving 124 stroke survivors. Among them, 65 received electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy plus physical therapy, while 59 received sham stimulation plus physical therapy. Participants began treatment an average of 14 days after their stroke and were moderately to severely disabled, with an average modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3.9. They underwent 40 to 45 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks, starting in the hospital and continuing at home with portable kits.
The analysis found that 33.8% of those receiving ENTF therapy achieved freedom from disability (mRS 0-1) at 90 days, 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.
“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, 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.”
American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA, noted, “This study examines two small trials of electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy for stroke patients. The results are preliminary, highlighting the need for larger trials with balanced participant groups to assess the therapy’s effectiveness.” Broderick, a professor at the University of Cincinnati's Gardner Neuroscience Institute, was not involved in the study.
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 United States. Motor impairment is the most common complication.
The study's main limitation is that it is an analysis of data from two small pilot studies. A single, larger trial is needed to confirm these results. However, researchers emphasize that ENTF therapy is unique in that it can be administered at home using a portable kit, potentially expanding access to effective rehabilitation.
For more information on stroke recovery, visit the American Stroke Association's recovery resources.
