Electromagnetic Brain Stimulation Combined With Physical Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Stroke Disability

Electromagnetic network-targeted field therapy combined with physical therapy significantly reduced overall disability in stroke survivors compared to those who received sham electromagnetic stimulation with physical therapy, according to a preliminary study analysis to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026. The research examined combined data from two double-blind, randomized, controlled studies involving 124 stroke survivors, with 65 receiving ENTF therapy and 59 receiving sham treatment, all participants also undergoing physical therapy during stimulation sessions conducted both in-hospital and at-home using portable kits over 8 to 12 weeks.

The analysis found that 33.8% of ENTF participants achieved freedom from disability, measured by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1, compared to 11.9% in the sham group, representing a 22% higher rate of disability-free recovery. Participants showed measurable improvements across the full disability spectrum, with reductions in both moderate to severe disability and moderate disability levels, and no serious adverse effects were reported among those receiving the active treatment. According to lead study author Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., FAHA, this therapy stimulates interconnected neural networks related to motor movement and cognitive functions that become electrically disorganized after stroke, using electromagnetic pulse patterns derived from studies of people without stroke to facilitate reestablishment of normal network organization and improved functional recovery.

American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA, who was not involved in the study, noted that while the results are preliminary and highlight the need for larger trials with balanced participant groups, ENTF showed no safety issues and addresses the strong demand for new recovery methods post-stroke. The main limitation is that the analysis comes from two small pilot studies, requiring a single larger trial to confirm results, particularly important given that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2026 Update available at https://www.heart.org/en/statistics. Motor impairment remains the most common complication after stroke, affecting arm and/or leg movement and daily activities among survivors.

Study participants had an average modified Rankin Score of 3.9 at enrollment, indicating moderate to severe disability, and were enrolled approximately 14 days post-stroke, with an average age of 58 years and 31% being women. The therapy’s potential for at-home administration using portable kits represents a unique aspect that could expand access to rehabilitation, as Saver emphasized the clear need for more effective therapies to fully improve patient outcomes. Additional information about stroke recovery resources can be found through the American Stroke Association at https://www.stroke.org, though the findings remain preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.