Electromagnetic network-targeted field therapy combined with physical therapy significantly reduced overall disability in stroke survivors compared to those receiving sham stimulation with physical therapy, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026. The analysis of two small clinical trials indicates this approach could represent a promising new direction for post-stroke rehabilitation.
Researchers examined combined data from 124 stroke survivors who participated in two double-blind, randomized, controlled studies. Sixty-five participants received ENTF therapy while 59 received sham treatment, with both groups receiving physical therapy during stimulation sessions. Participants began treatment in the hospital and continued with at-home treatments using portable kits, with assessments conducted after three months of treatment.
The analysis revealed that 33.8% of ENTF participants achieved freedom from disability compared to 11.9% in the sham group, representing a 22% higher success rate. Participants showed measurable improvements across the full range of disability outcomes, with both less moderate to severe disability and less moderate disability reported. No serious adverse effects were reported among those receiving ENTF therapy.
According to lead study author Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., FAHA, these neural networks show electrical disorganization after a stroke, and stimulating them with electromagnetic pulse patterns derived from studies in people without stroke can facilitate reestablishment of normal network organization. "This therapy has shown beneficial effects upon organized brain electrical activity and, most importantly, was associated with improved functional recovery for patients after stroke," Saver said.
American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA, noted that while the results are preliminary and highlight the need for larger trials with balanced participant groups, ENTF showed no safety issues. "There's a strong demand for new recovery methods post-stroke," said Broderick, who was not involved in the study. The main limitation acknowledged by researchers is that the analysis comes from two small pilot studies, requiring a single larger trial to confirm results.
Stroke remains a significant public health challenge, with the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2026 Update identifying it as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability. Motor impairment is the most common complication after stroke, affecting arm and/or leg movement and daily activities among survivors. More information about stroke statistics is available at https://www.stroke.org.
The study's potential impact extends beyond clinical outcomes to accessibility of treatment. Saver emphasized that this promising therapy is unique in that it could be conducted at home by stroke survivors using portable kits, potentially expanding access to effective rehabilitation. This approach addresses a critical gap in stroke care, as many survivors continue to face disabilities preventing return to normal daily activities despite advances in acute stroke treatments.
Additional resources about stroke recovery are available through the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association at https://www.heart.org. The abstract for this research can be found in the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2026 Online Program Planner. Researchers caution that findings presented at scientific meetings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
