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Frequency-tuned electromagnetic field therapy improves post-stroke motor function: A pilot randomized controlled
Batsheva Weisinger1, Dharam P Pandey2, Jeffrey L Saver3
1BrainQ Technologies, Ltd., Jerusalem, Israel.
Frontiers in Neurology
|December 1, 2022
Summary
Electromagnetic Network Targeting Field (ENTF) therapy significantly improved upper extremity motor function in subacute ischemic stroke patients. This non-invasive treatment also reduced overall disability without reported adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biophysics
Background:
- Impaired upper extremity (UE) motor function is a prevalent disability following ischemic stroke.
- Non-invasive therapies that enhance neuroplasticity are crucial for motor recovery.
- Extremely low frequency and low intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) offer a potential therapeutic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the benefit of Electromagnetic Network Targeting Field (ENTF) therapy on UE motor function in subacute ischemic stroke patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, non-invasive brain computer interface-based ENTF therapy.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of ENTF therapy in improving motor deficits.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted.
- Subacute ischemic stroke patients with moderate to severe UE impairment received active or sham ENTF therapy (1-100 Hz, < 1 G) for 8 weeks, 5 days/week.
- Concurrent physical/occupational therapy was provided for approximately three out of five sessions weekly.
Main Results:
- ENTF therapy demonstrated significantly greater improvement in UE motor function compared to sham treatment, as measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment - Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) at week 4 (p=0.007) and week 8.
- Significant improvements were also observed in other UE assessments, including the Action Research Arm Test (p=0.008) and Box and Blocks Test (p<0.0001).
- ENTF therapy was associated with a reduction in overall disability, indicated by a significant improvement in the modified Rankin Scale (p=0.0005), with no reported adverse events.
Conclusions:
- ENTF stimulation is associated with improved UE motor function and reduced overall disability in subacute ischemic stroke patients.
- The findings support the safe use of ENTF therapy in this patient population.
- Larger multicenter studies are recommended to confirm these promising results.
Keywords:
ELF-EMFENTFNIBSischemic strokemagnetic field therapyneurorecoveryneurostimulationupper extremity motor function
