A type of treatment 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 (inactive) electromagnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the International Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference. 2026, and is a world-leading global event dedicated to advancing stroke science and brain health.
Although advances in stroke treatments have saved lives, many survivors still face disabilities that prevent them from returning to normal daily activities. According to researchers, a promising treatment, called electromagnetic network-targeting field (ENTF) therapy, stimulates the interconnected networks associated with motor movement, cognitive functions and other brain activities.
“These neural networks exhibit electrical disorganization after stroke. Stimulating these networks with patterns of electromagnetic pulses derived from studies of non-stroke subjects can model and facilitate restoration of normal network organization,” said study lead author Jeffrey L. Saver, MD, FAHA, who is a distinguished professor of research and Jamesol Clinical, SA. (endowed) Chair in the Department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “This treatment has shown beneficial effects on the brain’s organized electrical activity and, more importantly, has been associated with improved functional recovery for stroke patients.”
Researchers examined combined data from two double-blind, randomized, controlled studies (meaning both participants and researchers did not know who received real treatment versus placebo or sham treatment) to characterize the potential effects of ENTF therapy in reducing disability after ischemic stroke. In total, 124 stroke survivors were included in the analysis: 65 received ENTF treatment and 59 received an inactive or sham treatment. Participants enrolled in the study an average of 14 days after the onset of their stroke and were moderately to severely disabled. mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 3.9 at enrollment. All participants received 40 to 45 sessions of ENTF or sham treatment over 8 to 12 weeks, and both groups received physical therapy during the stimulation sessions. In both trials, participants started ENTF treatment in hospital and continued with home treatments using portable kits. Participants were assessed for overall disability and their motor and cognitive abilities after three months of treatment.
The analysis found:
- The proportion of participants achieving freedom from disability was 22% higher in the ENTF group compared to the sham group (33.8% vs. 11.9%, respectively).
- Measurable improvements were also seen in ENTF participants’ disability levels across the spectrum of disability outcomes, both less moderate to severe disability (mRS of 3-5) and less moderate disability (mRS of 2).
- No serious adverse events were reported among participants treated with ENTF.
It is clear that we need more effective rehabilitation therapies to fully improve patient outcomes. This promising potential treatment is unique in that it could be performed at home by the stroke survivor using a portable kit.”
Jeffrey L. Saver, lead author of the study
American Stroke Association volunteer specialist Joseph P. Broderick, MD, FAHA, said, “This study examines two small trials of electromagnetic network targeting (ENTF) therapy for stroke patients. The results are preliminary, highlighting the need for larger trials with balanced groups of participants to assess the treatment’s effectiveness after stroke.” Broderick is a professor at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati, part of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio and was not involved in this study.
The main limitation of the study is that it is an analysis of data from two small pilot studies. A single, larger trial is needed to confirm these results.
In the United States, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Update on Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics. Depending on the part of the brain affected, stroke can affect arm and/or leg movement and activities of daily living among survivors. Motor impairment (weakness of arms and/or legs) is the most common complication after stroke.
Study details, background and design:
- The study included 124 adults who had an ischemic stroke and a baseline modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 3.9, indicating moderate to severe disability. The average age of the participants was 58 years and 31% were women.
- Data came from two double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trials (the BQ3 and EMAGINE trials, conducted between 2021 and 2025). The researchers combined individual patient data in a single meta-analysis to characterize the potential effects of ENTF treatment on overall disability after stroke.
- Participants in these two trials were randomized to receive either ENTF treatment or sham treatment between four and 21 days after the stroke. Sixty-five (65) participants received 40-45 sessions of ENTF therapy and 59 received the sham intervention. Both groups also received physical therapy as part of their stroke rehab care.
- The primary outcome of the analysis was that participants were free of disability, as measured by an mRS score of 0-1, at 8-12 weeks.
Source:
