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 suggests this approach could represent a breakthrough in post-stroke rehabilitation.
Researchers examined combined data from 124 stroke survivors, with 65 receiving ENTF therapy and 59 receiving sham treatment. All participants were moderately to severely disabled at enrollment, with an average modified Rankin Scale score of 3.9, and began treatment approximately 14 days after their stroke. Both groups received 40 to 45 sessions over 8 to 12 weeks, with participants starting therapy in the hospital and continuing with at-home treatments using portable kits.
The analysis revealed that 33.8% of ENTF participants achieved freedom from disability compared to 11.9% in the sham group, representing a 22% improvement. Measurable improvements were seen 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 ENTF therapy recipients.
Lead study author Jeffrey L. Saver, M.D., FAHA, explained that ENTF therapy stimulates 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 Saver, who holds the Carol and James Collins chair in the department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
American Stroke Association volunteer expert Joseph P. Broderick, M.D., FAHA, noted that while the results are preliminary, they highlight 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," said Broderick, a professor at the University of Cincinnati's Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
The study's main limitation is that it represents an analysis of data from two small pilot studies, requiring a single, larger trial to confirm these results. According to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2026 Update, stroke remains 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.
For business and technology leaders, this development represents significant potential in the healthcare technology sector. The portable nature of the treatment kits suggests scalability and accessibility advantages over traditional in-clinic therapies. The ability to conduct rehabilitation at home could reduce healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes, creating opportunities for medical device companies and digital health platforms. As the population ages and stroke incidence remains high, effective at-home rehabilitation technologies could transform post-acute care delivery and create new markets in the growing digital therapeutics space.
