A new preliminary study suggests that electromagnetic therapy, when combined with physical therapy, may reduce overall disability in stroke survivors more effectively than physical therapy alone. The findings will be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2026, which will take place in New Orleans from February 4-6.
Researchers focused on a treatment called electromagnetic network-targeted field (ENTF) therapy. This approach uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain networks involved in movement and cognitive function. According to lead author Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., FAHA, from UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, “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.” He added, “This therapy has shown beneficial effects upon organized brain electrical activity and, most importantly, was associated with improved functional recovery for patients after stroke.”
The study analyzed data from two double-blind randomized controlled trials involving 124 stroke survivors who were enrolled about two weeks after their strokes. Of these participants, 65 received ENTF therapy while 59 underwent sham treatment; both groups also participated in physical therapy during stimulation sessions. All participants completed between 40 and 45 sessions over eight to twelve weeks and began their treatments in the hospital before continuing at home using portable kits.
Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA—a volunteer expert for the American Stroke Association who was not involved with the research—commented on the findings: “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.”
The main limitation cited by researchers is that this analysis draws from two small pilot studies rather than one large-scale trial; therefore, additional research is needed to confirm these results.
Stroke remains a significant health concern in the United States as it is currently ranked as the fourth leading cause of death and one of the primary causes of long-term disability among adults according to recent updates by national health organizations. Motor impairment—such as weakness in arms or legs—is noted as one of the most common complications following a stroke.
