Research Highlights:
Electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy, which targets specific connections in the brain, combined with physical therapy, significantly reduced disability in stroke survivors after 90 days.
An analysis of two small clinical trials suggests that ENTF therapy is safe and works well in reducing overall disability after stroke.
Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
DALLAS, Jan. 29, 2026 — 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 (inactive) electromagnetic stimulation combined with physical therapy, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026. The meeting is in New Orleans, Feb. 4-6, 2026, and is a world premier global event dedicated to advancing stroke and brain health science.
Although advances in stroke treatments have saved lives, many survivors still face disabilities that prevent them from returning to their normal daily activities. According to researchers, one promising treatment, called electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy, stimulates the 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, who is a distinguished professor, SA vice chair for Clinical Research, and holder of the Carol and James Collins (endowed) chair in the department of Neurology 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 examined the combined data from two double-blind, randomized, controlled studies (meaning both participants and researchers did not know who received actual vs. placebo or sham treatment) to characterize the potential effects of ENTF therapy on reducing disability after ischemic stroke. In total, 124 stroke survivors were included in the analysis: 65 were treated with ENTF therapy, and 59 received an inactive or sham treatment. Participants were enrolled in the study on average 14 days after their stroke occurred and were moderately to severely disabled; the average modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 3.9 at enrollment. All participants received 40 to 45 sessions of ENTF therapy or sham treatment over 8 to 12 weeks, and both groups received physical therapy during the stimulation sessions. In both trials, participants began ENTF therapy in the hospital and continued with at-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 percentage of participants who achieved freedom from disability was 22% higher in the ENTF group compared to the group that received the sham treatment (33.8% versus 11.9%, respectively).
Measurable improvements were also seen in ENTF participants’ disability levels across the full range of disability outcomes, with both less moderately to severe disability (mRS of 3-5) and less moderate disability (mRS of 2).
No serious adverse effects were reported among participants who received ENTF therapy.
“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, said, “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. ENTF showed no safety issues, and there’s a strong demand for new recovery methods post-stroke.” Broderick is a professor at the University of Cincinnati’s Gardner Neuroscience Institute, 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 a leading cause of long-term disability, according to the American Heart Association’s Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2026 Update. Depending on the part of the brain affected, stroke may impair arm and/or leg movement and activities of daily life among survivors. Motor impairment (arm and/or leg weakness) 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. Participants’ average age was 58 years and 31% were women.
Data were derived from two double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trials (the BQ3 and EMAGINE trials, conducted between 2021 and 2025). Researchers combined the individual patient data into a single meta-analysis to characterize the potential effects of ENTF therapy on overall disability after stroke.
Participants in these two trials were randomized to receive either ENTF therapy or a sham treatment between four and 21 days after 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 for participants to be disability-free, as measured by an mRS score of 0-1, at 8-12 weeks.
Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the abstract.
Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.
Additional Resources:
Video interview clips with American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA and other multimedia assets are available on the right column of the release link.
Link to abstract in the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026 Online Program Planner
New 1/21/2026 - According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, stroke is now the #4 leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn more at www.stroke.org or www.DerrameCerebral.org.
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association: Stroke Hub or in Español. Link to additional health topic Fact Sheets.
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association health information: Recovery After Stroke
American Stroke Association news release: Brain stimulation did not improve impaired motor skills after stroke (Feb. 2025)
American Stroke Association news release: Nerve stimulation plus intense rehab may improve arm and hand function after stroke (Feb. 2024)
For more news at American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026, follow us on X @HeartNews #ISC26
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About the American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public’s health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.
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