"We are excited about the Myomo technology since its unique combination of EMG control and portable robotics may improve functional upper extremity motor recovery and function after a neurologic injury. By providing a tool for therapists to actively engage patients in high dosage, repetitive, meaningful tasks, the Myomo device holds great potential in helping neurologically impaired patients achieve better function."

—Dan Parkinson, PT
Director of Clinical Services, Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, Braintree, MA. and site investigator of the Myomo Functional Task Study

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myomo for Medical Professionals -- Therapy Guidelines

The Myomo® mPower 1000 is a non-invasive upper extremity limb orthosis worn and controlled by a patient's myoelectric muscle (EMG) signal. The device was created to assist impaired individuals with movement and was found to be eficacious in facilitating functional Repetitive Task Practice (RTP).  

Through its portability that enhances therapy sessions at the home, inpatient and outpatient setting. The device can be used to facilitate a range of therapeutic strategies. A therapist can quickly customize the device for each individual patient in approximately minutes, so the focus of training sessions are on the therapy, not the device set up.

The device has been clinically tested with scientific partners that are experts in stroke upper extremity rehabilitation. Their partnership has allowed us to come up with RTP protocols and guidelines that work for both acute and chronic patients. These guidelines are given to our certified therapists during our CE accredited training for PTs and OTs.

What A Patient Session Would Entail

  • First, the device is easily fit to the patient using padding to customize the fit.
  • Next, the sensor is placed on the skin’s surface above the muscle group that the treatment tasks will focus on. For example, if the therapist is working on feeding, the sensor would be placed over the bicep. If the therapist is working on using the upper extremities to help push up from sit to stand, the sensor would be placed over the tricep.
  • Then, with the push of a button, the device automatically calibrates in approximately 10 seconds using the electrical muscle activity signal that it reads from the patient’s muscle group.
  • Lastly, the therapist can quickly set the amount of assist that is needed for the task based on patient ability.
 

During therapy, the therapist can also easily adjust the level of power assist based on the patient’s performance. Due to the transparent nature of the device, the therapist is still able to provide manual guidance and cuing to the patient when needed.

As you can see in the video, the patient initiates all motion, while the Myomo device assists in providing accurate controlled assistance, and feedback. With this capability, the Myomo device helps the patient reinforce movements within normal limits of the task, based on the expertise of the patient's treating therapist