The Efficacy of a Frequency-tuned Electromagnetic Field Treatment in Facilitating the Recovery of Subacute Ischemic Stroke Patients - a Pivotal Study (THE "EMAGINE" STUDY)

Overview

This is a multicenter study that will be conducted at approximately 20 centers. BQ 2.0 is a wearable medical device that produces and delivers non-invasive, extremely-low-intensity and low-frequency, frequency-tuned electromagnetic fields in order to stimulate neuronal networks with the aim of reducing disability and promoting neurorecovery. In this study, BQ 2.0 is intended to reduce disability in adult patients with subacute ischemic stroke, with a moderate to severe disability which includes an upper extremity motor impairment. BQ 2.0 will be used for 9 weeks in conjunction with physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) and periodic supervision (either remote or in person) of a trained site study team member. Treatments may be administered in multiple settings (e.g. acute care hospital (ACH) or inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), home or other outpatient setup). The study will enroll up to 150 adult subjects who will be randomly assigned (1:1 allocation ratio) to either active or sham study intervention using BQ 2.0.

The study intervention will be initiated 4-21 days after the index stroke event and will consist of a total of 45 sessions over a period of 9 weeks (5 treatments per week). Each session will last 60 minutes during which 40 net minutes of active or sham study intervention using BQ 2.0 will be administered. Each study group will receive a standardized, pre-defined and evidence-based physical and occupational therapy regimen concurrent with the study intervention. Screening phase: Prospective subjects, who are 3 to 21 days post-stroke, will be consented to participate in the study at either: 1. a participating initial acute care hospital (ACH), prior to anticipated transfer to a participating IRF, SNF, Outpatient or home setting or 2. at a participating IRF, SNF, outpatient or home setting Consented subjects, who are 4 to 21 days post-stroke will be screened for eligibility to participate in the treatment phase of the study. Eligible subjects will be randomly assigned, at a 1:1 allocation ratio, to either the active or sham study intervention groups. Treatment and follow-up Randomized patients will proceed to the treatment phase of the study. Active or sham study intervention sessions using BQ 2.0 (active or sham therapy, respectively) will be conducted 5 times a week, starting 4-21 days after stroke onset and no later than 2 days after randomization. Each session will last 60 minutes, with active or sham field being turned on for up to 40 minutes. The only difference between the BQ 2.0 active stimulation and sham therapy is that the sham device does not generate electromagnetic fields during treatment. Subjects in both the active intervention group (BQ 2.0 group) and sham group will be asked to perform device guided physical and occupational therapy activities during each session. Participation in the study will not replace any of usual care patient should recieve. Subjects will undergo a detailed interim outcome assessment on the 20th (±4) day of treatment and a detailed primary endpoint outcome assessment on the 90th (±15) day after the onset of the index stroke. In addition, a focused, long-term outcome assessment on the 180th (±15) day after the onset of the index stroke will be performed.