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 survivors who received sham electromagnetic stimulation combined with 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 activities. Researchers examined combined data from two double-blind, randomized, controlled studies to characterize the potential effects of electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy on reducing disability after ischemic stroke. In total, 124 stroke survivors were included: 65 treated with ENTF therapy and 59 who received sham treatment. Participants were enrolled on average 14 days after stroke and were moderately to severely disabled, with an average modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3.9. All received 40 to 45 sessions of ENTF or sham over 8 to 12 weeks, plus 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 compared to sham (33.8% versus 11.9%). Measurable improvements were also seen across the full range of disability outcomes, with less moderate to severe disability. No serious adverse effects were reported. According to lead author Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., FAHA, of UCLA, these neural networks show electrical disorganization after stroke, and stimulating them with electromagnetic pulse patterns derived from healthy individuals can help reestablish normal network organization.
American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA, noted that the results are preliminary and require larger trials with balanced groups. He emphasized that there is strong demand for new recovery methods post-stroke. The main limitation is that this is an analysis of two small pilot studies; a single larger trial is needed to confirm results.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2026 Update. Motor impairment is the most common complication. The study included 124 adults with ischemic stroke, average age 58, 31% women, from two trials conducted between 2021 and 2025. Participants were randomized to ENTF or sham between 4 and 21 days after stroke, receiving 40-45 sessions over 8-12 weeks, all with physical therapy.
More information about stroke recovery can be found at the American Stroke Association's recovery resources.
