What Is It
The Myomo™ mPower 1000 is a portable, lightweight functional arm brace that restores movement to a weakened arm as a result of neuromuscular damage. The product incorporates a noninvasive myoelectric platform technology in a wearable device that enables a person to initiate-and-control their own motion. The portable arm brace has been proven effective in assisting people in their daily living activities in the home and facilitating functional repetitive task practices during therapy. The mPower 1000 technology does not use electrical impulses or stimulation. It reads weak muscle signals and sends it to the device’s signal processor which allows a person to move their affected arm.
The mPower 1000 is available with a prescription from a Myomo certified clinician. It may be reimbursed depending on medical necessity and individual's insurance coverage.
How It Works
Patented EMG (electromyography) control software continuously monitors and senses, but does not stimulate, the affected muscles. The patient self initiates and achieves natural movement patterns by their own muscular signals that indicate intention to move. The system senses even a very weak EMG muscle signal and then processes data to a motor on the device that enables desired motion. This processing occurs so quickly that it is not apparent to the patient. Importantly, the EMG-driven device requires that patients are actively engaged throughout the movement; if they stop, the device stops. No electrical stimulation or invasive procedures are employed.
Indications For Use
The Myomo System is indicated for use to (1) facilitate muscle re-education and (2) maintain or increase range of motion.
What An Initial 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 biceps and triceps
- With the push of a button, it automatically calibrates in seconds using the myoelectric signal of the patient’s muscle.
- Lastly, the clinician can quickly customize the amount of assist needed for smooth movement 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. The mPower 1000 can be used in therapy to facilitate Reptitive Task Practice and at home as an assistive device.
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